Smart Use of Antibiotics

The discovery of antibiotics revolutionized medicine and turned many once-deadly infections into easily treatable illnesses. Today, antibiotics continue to save lives and limit illness. However, there has recently started to be concern that some germs are developing resistance to antibiotics.

Antibiotics are medicines that work against a specific type of germ: bacteria. They are not effective against viruses, parasites, or fungal infections.

Some bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. This means that the antibiotics don’t work to treat the illness caused by the bacteria. Some of the causes of antibiotic resistance are overuse and improper use of antibiotics. When antibiotics can’t be used to treat an infection, it can cause longer illnesses, more serious illness, and hospitalization.

One type of antibiotic resistant bacteria that is the news a lot is MRSA, or methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA can cause skin infections in areas of broken skin and spreads through close skin contact or sharing personal items. MRSA infections can be difficult to treat and may lead to severe illness. Simple steps such as frequent hand washing, keeping skin injuries clean and covered, and not sharing personal items can help prevent the spread of MRSA.

Many common childhood illnesses are caused by viruses, so antibiotics won’t get rid of them. These include colds, the flu, runny noses, most coughs, and some sore throats. Sore throats may be caused by strep throat, which should be treated with antibiotics, so it is important to see a health care provider for diagnosis. Many ear infections also do not require treatment with antibiotics. Your child’s health care provider can tell you if antibiotics will help your child's ear infection. By not requesting antibiotics for a viral infection, you can help prevent antibiotic resistance.

There are times when antibiotics are useful. If you or someone in your family is prescribed antibiotics, make sure to take them as directed. This includes taking them for the whole time prescribed, even if you start to feel better before then. Also, don’t take antibiotics that were prescribed for someone else or save extra antibiotics for a future illness. These are powerful medicines that need to be prescribed by a health care provider.

Antibiotics may have side effects, including nausea and diarrhea. Different antibiotics will have different side effects. Allergic reactions to antibiotics often start with a skin rash and may lead to difficulty breathing. If your child develops a rash while taking antibiotics, notify his or her health care provider immediately. Also, be sure to let your child's health care provider know about any previous allergic reactions to antibiotics so they can decide which one to prescribe.

Antibiotics are useful tools that can treat illness and save lives. But overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria that are difficult to treat and can cause serious illness. By being aware of this problem and talking with your health care provider about if antibiotics are necessary, you can help prevent antibiotic resistant bacteria.

For more information on antibiotic use, visit http://cdc.gov/getsmart.