Healthcare was revolutionized by the discovery of antibiotics in the early 20th century. While antibiotics save millions of lives each year, the rise of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains is posing a serious threat and has become a national healthcare priority. It is important for not only healthcare providers to be aware of this growing threat, but also consumers of care. Past reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that in the United States more than two million people are sickened every year with antibiotic resistant infections. (CDC National Summary Data, 2013).
Using antibiotics the wrong way can cause bacteria to grow into superbugs, making infections much harder to treat. If you use antibiotics too much or when you don’t need them, they may not work for you someday. This is called antibiotic resistance. That is why it is so important to know when to take antibiotics and to ask questions, such as “What is the risk and/or benefit of taking this antibiotic?” Yes, antibiotics can help you feel better, but they must be used appropriately and for the right conditions. There can be side effects when using antibiotics, including diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and rashes. You can also have allergic reactions to antibiotics. These are difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, wheezing and hives. Because of these risks, it is important to use antibiotics only when necessary.
How can consumers and patients help in this effort?
We can all be good antibiotic stewards by asking questions and talking with healthcare providers on the proper use and directions for administering and taking antibiotics. Antibiotics work for bacterial infections, not viruses like the common cold and flu. If you have a cough, sore throat, or other illness, tell your provider you only want an antibiotic if it is really necessary.
Providers are trying to avoid using antibiotics unless necessary. However, many patients come to the office already convinced their infection requires an antibiotic and are not satisfied unless they get one. This puts providers in a difficult position, as they want to practice good medicine but also strive to keep patients happy. Wash your hands frequently and encourage others to wash their hands, getting your flu and pneumonia vaccines, avoiding people that are sick, covering your mouth when sneezing and coughing and disposing of tissues properly are other ways to prevent infections from developing. If you have a catheter, ask if it can be removed as soon as possible and if you develop diarrhea after taking an antibiotic, contact your healthcare provider. These are just a few ways that consumers can assist in combating this growing concern.
We encourage and ask that we all do our part to combat antibiotic resistance by promoting and practicing antibiotic stewardship. Many resources are available, including those listed below.
APIC – The ABC’s of Antibiotics infographic http://goo.gl/8kRgkv
CDC – Get Smart Know When Antibiotics Work http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/
WebEx Opportunity: Tuesday, October 31. 2017
12:15 – 1:00 p.m. CT
Community Antibiotic Stewardship Hot Topic: Antibiotic Awareness Week
Join staff from Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (QIN) as we host our Community Antibiotic Stewardship Hot Topic: Antibiotic Awareness Week. During this call there will be a 15-minute presentation followed by open discussion. Learn how your organization can promote Antibiotic Awareness Week to improve antibiotic stewardship in your community. All outpatient care providers, nursing homes, home health agencies, pharmacies, public health, emergency departments and urgent care clinics are invited to attend. Register today.
Presenter:
Stephan Schroeder, MD
Medical Director
Great Plains Quality Innovation Network; South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care