According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antibiotics are amongst the most commonly prescribed drugs in human medicine. Since the discovery of penicillin in 1928, antibiotics have transformed modern medicine. They have played an important life-saving role in treating bacterial infections, preventing the spread of disease, and minimizing serious complications of disease. However, the long history of inappropriate use and over prescription of antibiotics has created one the greatest global health challenges of the century: antibiotic resistance.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to resist the effect of an antibiotic. It reduces the drug’s effectiveness to cure and prevent infections. As a result, the surviving bacteria evolve, multiply, and cause more harm. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and common viral induced illnesses, such as, colds, the flu, most sore throats, most coughs and bronchitis (“chest colds”), many sinus infections, and many ear infections. For certain bacterial induced illnesses, your doctor will decide on the best course of treatment and if necessary, prescribe antibiotics.
The increased and inappropriate use of antibiotics is the single most important factor leading to the global antibiotic resistance problem. During this past World Antibiotic Resistance Week, many leading health organizations have spread awareness about appropriate antibiotic prescription and usage. Here are the facts:
- At least 2 million people become infected annually in the U.S. with antibiotic resistant bacteria
- At least 23,000 deaths occur annually as a direct result of these infections
- Up to 50% of all antibiotics prescribed are unnecessary
In recent years, antibiotic resistance has been contributing to an increasing number of health care problems, especially antibiotic resistant infections. Antibiotic resistant infections can result in:
- Serious illnesses and disabilities
- Increasing fatalities from previously treatable illnesses
- Prolonged recovery rates
- Increased number of hospital stays
- Longer hospital stays
- Frequent doctor visits
- Less effective treatments
- Increase in expensive treatments
What is “antibiotic stewardship?”
“Antibiotic stewardship” is the appropriate use of antibiotics. Appropriate usage can help preserve the effectiveness and reduce resistance of current antibiotics, extend one’s lifespan, and protect individuals from antibiotic resistant infections.
The public has a crucial role to play in antibiotic stewardship. Many national and international educational efforts are focused on appropriate antibiotic usage and antibiotic ineffectiveness against viral infections. Raising public awareness and changing the prescription habits of physicians is the key to prudent antibiotic use.
Here’s how you can help the fight against antibiotic resistance.
- Take the appropriate antibiotic dosage prescribed by a doctor
- Complete the full course prescribed by a doctor
- If a dosage is missed in a prescribed course, speak to your doctor
- Don’t use antibiotics that are prescribed for someone else
- Practice good hygiene to reduce the spread of germs, especially washing hands before eating, before preparing food, and after using the toilet
- Don’t pressure your doctor to give you an antibiotic prescription if not needed. Ask your doctor instead for advice on how to treat symptoms related to a particular illness
- Make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date
- Report any known allergies to a healthcare provider or doctor, especially a penicillin allergy
It is important to understand the difference between viral and bacterial infections, and when antibiotics will be effective and when they will not. Listen to your doctor when you are ill, and do not demand antibiotics if they are not needed. Connect with a HealthTap doctor today if you have any concerns or need any medical advice.
Author: Simitha Singh Rambiritch
