Virginia
Department of Health
Antibiotic Resistance Fact Sheet
What
is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotics kill bacteria. Antibiotic resistance means the medicines
used to treat bacterial infections no longer work or can take longer
to work. Resistant bacteria can cause serious illness and can be
spread from one person to another.
What causes
antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotics are often taken when they are not needed. Antibiotic
resistance is caused by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
Why should
we be concerned about antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem. Almost all common bacterial
infections in the U.S. and worldwide are becoming resistant to antibiotics.
When bacteria become resistant they are harder to treat and will
continue to grow.
When should
antibiotics be used?
Antibiotics do not cure viral infections. Viruses cause most common
illnesses, such as bronchitis, coughs, colds, runny noses and sore
throats. Most viral infections will get better in 7-10 days. Taking
an antibiotic for a viral infection will not stop the spread of
illness, make you feel better sooner or stop the spread of the illness
to others.
Antibiotics are only helpful when used to treat a bacterial infection
and when taken exactly as prescribed. Always seek the advice of
your health provider before taking antibiotics.
How can I prevent
antibiotic resistance?
Don’t ask for antibiotics if you have a viral infection like
a cold or the flu.
Take the antibiotic exactly as the doctor tells you.
Take all of the medication, even if you feel better.
Do not save some of your antibiotic for the next time you are sick.
Do not take an antibiotic that is prescribed for someone else.
Talk with your doctor about antibiotic resistance and ask what else
you can do to feel better sooner.
What else
can I do to prevent illness?
Wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same.
Keep your family’s shots up to date and consider an annual
flu shot.
Prepared by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Epidemiology,
March 2003.
For more information contact visit www.vdh.state.va.us/epi/getsmart.asp |
