Fight the Resistance

In the 60 plus years since antibiotics entered the medical mainstream, countless lives have been saved. But recently, the widespread availability, misuse and overuse of antibiotics has lead to the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria, and it’s a cause for world-wide concern. Infections that are resistant to antibiotics are more difficult to treat, may spread more easily and lead to more complications and deaths. As we head toward flu and cold season, it’s important to remember that we all have a part to play in combating antibiotic resistance.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Take: Antibiotics should never be prescribed or taken to treat viral infections, so don’t insist on a prescription for that nasty cold, and don’t try to treat the flu (or anything else) with the antibiotic leftover from a previous infection.

Stay on Course: Antibiotics are most effective when they are taken regularly, so don’t skip doses. It's also important to take all the medication prescribed, even if you are feeling better. If the antibiotic hasn’t been completely wiped out the infection, the remaining bacteria may become resistant to future treatments.

Let it Go: Saving time, good, saving money, even better, but saving antibiotics to treat a future infection, bad idea. Never take leftover medicine. Taking the wrong medicine can delay getting the appropriate treatment and may allow your condition to worsen.