Get Smart about Antibiotics week is Nov. 18-24

11/15/2013

The United States will be observing Get Smart about Antibiotics Week Nov. 18-24. The goal of the week is to help people "Get Smart" about the proper antibiotic use and not to expect antibiotics every time they visit their physician for an illness.

"Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment," said Northwest Health Chief Nursing Officer Maria Wleklinski, RN.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one of the most common misconceptions about antibiotics is they are needed if you have a cold, flu, sore throat (not caused by strep) or a runny nose. All of these are caused by viruses which antibiotics do not affect. "If you take antibiotics for a viral infection such as the flu, a cold, cough or most bronchitis it won’t help you feel better, cure your infection or prevent others from catching the illness," Wleklinski said.

Antibiotics only fight infections caused by bacteria. Many are not harmful, but disease-causing bacteria trigger illnesses like strep throat and some ear infections. Viruses are smaller than bacteria and cannot survive outside the body’s cells. It causes illnesses by invading and reproducing.

However, every time antibiotics are used – sensitive bacteria are killed – but resistant germs may remain to grow and multiply. Improper and repeated use of antibiotics is one of the primary causes of the increase in drug-resistant bacteria.

There are many beneficial effects of using antibiotics, but their use also has contributed to the problem of antibiotic resistance, according to a CDC press release. Smart use of antibiotics is the key to helping control the spread of these resistant bacteria.

"Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing public health problems," the CDC states. "Almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment when it is really needed. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to family members, schoolmates, and co-workers – threatening the community with a new strain of infectious disease that is more difficult to cure and more expensive to treat. For this reason, antibiotic resistance is among CDC’s top concerns. A common misconception is that a person’s body becomes resistant to specific drugs. However, it is microbes, not people, that become resistant to the drugs."

Antibiotics and children

Antibiotic use in children is of particular concern since they have the highest rate of using the medication.

And, according to the CDC, "Parent pressure makes a difference. For pediatric care, a study showed that doctors prescribe antibiotics 62 percent of the time if they perceive parents expect them and 7 percent of the time if they feel parents do not expect them."

Using antibiotics wisely is the best way to preserve a child’s strength for future bacterial illnesses. The CDC has outlined some simple tips to help you find out if antibiotics are necessary and make a decision that is best for your child.

• Remember, antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. If the child has a viral infection, ask your physician about symptom relief. This may include over-the-counter medicine, a humidifier or warm liquids.
• Some ear infections do not require an antibiotic. A doctor can determine what type of ear infection your child has and if antibiotics can help.
• Most sore throats do not require an antibiotic. Your physician can confirm if your child has strep throat by running a test. Strep throat is often treated successfully withantibiotics
• Green colored mucus is not a sign that an antibiotic is needed. Mucus can change color as the body fights an infection. It’s normal and does not mean your child needs an antibiotic.
• There are risks when taking any prescription drug. Antibiotics can cause complications ranging from an upset stomach to a serious allergic reaction. Your child’s physician will weigh the risks and benefits before prescribing an antibiotic.

Preventing antibiotic-resistant infections

According to the CDC, the number of bacteria resistant to antibiotics has increased in the last decade. Many bacterial infections are becoming resistant to the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. One way to prevent antibiotic-resistant infections is to only use antibiotics when they are likely to be beneficial. Other tips include:

• Speak with your physician about antibiotic resistance and ask whether an antibiotic can help your illness and ask what else might be done to help you feel better sooner.
• Don’t take antibiotics if you have a viral infection such as the flu or a cold.
• Don’t save antibiotics and then use them the next time you are ill. Throw away leftover medications after you have completed the prescribed course of treatment.
• Take the antibiotic exactly as your physician prescribed and don’t skip doses.
• Don’t take antibiotics that were prescribed to someone else. It may not be appropriate for you illness and taking the wrong medicine may delay treatment and let bacteria multiply.
• If you do not have a bacterial infection, ask your physician about ways to help relieve your symptoms. Don’t pressure your physician into giving you an antibiotic.

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About Northwest Health

Northwest Health is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 30 physicians on the medical staff, Northwest Health provides compassionate, customer-focused care. The new facility, which opened April 2012, is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs, Ark. For more information, visit SSRH.net.

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