Viral Infection

Preventing Antibiotic Resistance

There are things each of us can do to help stop antibiotic resistance: Only take antibiotics when they are needed. Your doctor should only order them for a bacterial infection. Ask about other ways to ease your symptoms. Don’t pressure your doctor to give you an antibiotic. Take your antibiotics as ordered. Don’t skip doses or stop them too early. Take all of them, even if you start to feel better. The bacteria can become resistant if you stop too soon. Do not share your antibiotics with anyone. Your drugs may not be the right ones to treat someone else’s illness. Your drugs can even make them sicker. Work to prevent illnesses: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water are not available. If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. You can also cough into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues. Do not get close to, hug, or kiss people who are sick. Avoid sharing your towels, tissues, food, or drink with anyone who is sick. Clean commonly handled things like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant. Avoid going to crowded places. Get a flu shot each year. Ask your doctor about a pneumonia shot.

Infectious Disease

Antibiotic Overuse,Antibiotic Stewardship,Antibiotic Use,Antimicrobial Resistance,Combatting Antibiotic Resistance,Drug Resistance,How to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance,Proper Antibiotic Use

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.

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