Antibiotics save lives and are critical tools for treating many common and more serious bacterial infections, but improper use of these medications can lead to drug resistance that can be life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls resistance to antibiotics one of the most urgent threats to public health.
The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is encouraging Hoosiers to learn about good antibiotic prescribing practices and use as part of U.S. Antibiotics Awareness Week, which runs from Nov. 18 to 24.
“Antibiotics are an essential part of combatting a number of common infections, including pneumonia and sepsis,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “Unfortunately, improper use of antibiotics can render these medications useless and reduce the tools we have available to fight serious illness. It’s important to ensure that antibiotics are used properly so these drugs will continue to be effective when they are needed.”
The CDC says at least 30 percent of the antibiotics in outpatient settings nationwide are prescribed unnecessarily. This can lead to antibiotic resistance, which occurs when bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. Each year in the United States, at least 2.8 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and at least 35,000 people die as a direct result, according to the CDC. Many more die of complications from antibiotic-resistant infections.
Improving the way healthcare professionals prescribe antibiotics, and the way patients use antibiotics, will help keep Hoosiers healthy, prevent fight antibiotic resistance, and ensure that these lifesaving medications will be available for future generations.
The best ways to help prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance are to:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about measures to relieve symptoms without using antibiotics.
- Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Never pressure your healthcare provider for an antibiotic prescription.
- Never save antibiotics for the next time you’re sick.
- Remember that antibiotics won’t make you feel better if you have a virus.
- Stay healthy and keep others healthy by cleaning hands, covering coughs, staying home when you are sick and getting recommended vaccines.
This is the week to be antibiotics aware for year-round smart use and best care. Visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use to learn more about antibiotic prescribing and use.
Visit the Indiana Department of Health at health.in.gov or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.