Antibiotic Resistance Education
Introduction
Goal: To promote the responsible use of antibiotics by encouraging judicious
prescribing among physicians and appropriate use among patients.
Background: Antibiotic resistance is a public health problem in which bacteria
develop resistance to antibiotics. Contributing to this problem are the inappropriate
uses of antibiotics in cases where: [1] antibiotics are prescribed for viral infections
and not bacterial infections; [2] people stop taking antibiotics as soon as they start
to feel better, which allows the hardiest bacteria to survive and reproduce; and [3]
leftover antibiotic pills are often shared by family members that are not the right type
or are not needed.
Main Messages:
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Antibiotics are widely used inappropriately. Resistant bacteria emerge from
improper use of antibiotics.
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Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. Don’t expect antibiotics to
be prescribed every time you or your child get sick. Many illnesses are viral and
will not be stopped by antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics should not be taken for
viral infections such as the cold and flu.
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Antibiotics should be taken only when recommended by a physician. Don’t take leftover
antibiotics from a previous prescription without your doctor’s permission.
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If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take all the medication as directed.
Back to Preventing and Controlling Antibiotic Resistance
