Proper Use of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are miracle drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria. However, some bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics. We all need to be concerned about proper use of these drugs. Using an antibiotic correctly will help ensure that antibiotics will be effective for you and your family in the future.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a national campaign to promote appropriate antibiotic use in the community - Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work - designed to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and the spread of resistance to antibiotics. Go to their web site to Take a Quiz to see what you know and what you need to know about antibiotic use.

Eight Tips to Get Smart About Antibiotics:

Talk with your health care provider about antibiotic resistance.
Ask your provider whether an antibiotic is likely to be beneficial for your illness.
Ask your provider what else you can do to feel better sooner.
Only use antibiotics when they are likely to be beneficial.
Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or the flu.
Do not save some of your antibiotic for the next time you get sick.
Take an antibiotic exactly as the doctor tells you.
Do not take an antibiotic that is prescribed for someone else.

Downloads:

Cold or Flu. Antibiotics Don’t Work for You.
Explains the difference between bacteria and viruses and how bacteria become resistant. Answers some common questions about when to use an antibiotic.

Runny Nose Q & A
Provides answers to commonly asked questions about using antibiotics for a child's runny nose.

Fluid in the Middle Ear Q & A
Provides answers to commonly asked questions about using antibiotics for a child's middle ear infection called Otitis Media with Effusion.