The use of antibiotics is the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world. Simply using antibiotics creates resistance.
Up to 50% of all the antibiotics prescribed for people are not needed or are not optimally effective as prescribed.
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The content in this program is relevant for anyone wanting to know more about the relationship between preventing infections and limiting antibiotic resistance. Tips on how to talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotic safety are included.
Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause COVID-19, colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green.
Checklist of common illnesses, their cause,
and whether or not an antibiotic may help
Inappropriate antibiotic use can refer to two types of antibiotic misuse:
Example: A 40-year-old woman is diagnosed with bronchitis and prescribed an antibiotic, even though national guidelines recommend against prescribing antibiotics for bronchitis
Example: An 8-year-old boy is diagnosed with strep throat and needs an antibiotic to treat it, but the antibiotic prescribed is the wrong one, or the dose is too low, or the duration is too long
Antibiotics kill good bacteria in your body which can lead to side effects such as diarrhea or yeast infections. A “broad spectrum” antibiotic kills a wider variety of bacteria than a “narrow spectrum” antibiotic. Talk to your doctor about the risks and how to limit them.
Have you ever taken an antibiotic “just-in-case” there might be an infection and thought antibiotics are “risk-free” drugs? Prescribing antibiotics “just-in-case” carries the risk of causing life threatening side effects like C-Diff diarrhea , and has the potential to create superbugs that can be resistant to every antibiotic.
Dr. Debbie Goff pharmacist, global antibiotic steward and advocate describes how consumers and patients need to become antibiotic stewards. It is no longer just up to medical professionals.
