Published: November 17, 2016 | Updated: May 9, 2019
Antibiotics have their place in medicine, but they’re not a cure-all. In fact, if prescribed inappropriately, they can be fatal.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as many as one-half of all antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary, putting countless patients at risk.
Every year in the United States, at least 23,000 people die from bacterial infections that have become resistant to antibiotics. Approximately 2 million become ill.
During the CDC’s “Get Smart about Antibiotics Week,” Nov. 14 through 20, 2016, make a point to read up on using antibiotics for the right reasons.
The CDC makes it easy with a chart showing the cause of eight common infections, and when antibiotics should or should not be used.
“Education and awareness about antimicrobial resistance is more important now than ever before,” said Bethany Wattles, Pharm.D., clinical specialist, Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Stewardship, Norton Children’s Hospital. “In order to promote safe and effective antibiotic use, we must get the facts and get smart about when to use these medications.”
Bottom line: Antibiotics should only be used to treat bacterial infections and never for viral infections. Learning the difference is not only smart, but it will keep you and your family safe and healthy.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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