Be Antibiotics Aware
The Alabama Department of Public Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the Alabama Hospital Association, and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama encourage Alabamians to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use
From the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)
The Alabama Department of Public Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the Alabama Hospital Association, and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama encourage Alabamians to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. As we enter cold and flu season, many people are reaching for quick treatments to ease nagging coughs, chest discomfort, body aches, and fatigue. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that antibiotics aren’t always the right solution. Read our latest news release: State Healthcare Organizations Encouraging Alabamians to Say No to Unnecessary Antibiotic Use.
https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/hai/news.html
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections, such as strep throat, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and E. coli. They do not treat colds, flu, COVID-19, or other viruses. Most common colds, sore throats, and respiratory infections are viral and get better with rest and fluids. Taking antibiotics when you do not need them can cause side effects, antibiotic resistance, and harm to your gut health.
It’s okay to ask questions about antibiotics. Being a smart patient means speaking up!
Ask your provider:
- Do my symptoms look more viral or bacterial?
- Do I need a test or blood work to find out?
- Could this get better without antibiotics?
- How can I treat the symptoms while my body heals?
Remember: Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed if you truly need them and never share or use leftover antibiotics.
Resources
Antibiotic Awareness Week
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) year-round education effort to improve antibiotic prescribing and use and combat antimicrobial resistance. Visit Be Antibiotics Aware: Smart Use, Best Care for more information.
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) is an annual observance that raises awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.
World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of AMR and promote best practices among One Health stakeholders to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. It is celebrated from 18 to 24 November every year.
Nearly 3 million people are infected with an antimicrobial-resistant infection each year, resulting in over 35,000 deaths. Antibiotic resistance is caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in general and the overuse of selected agents in particular. Appropriate antibiotic use in people and animals is a key solution to addressing the threat of antibiotic resistance. Education about appropriate antibiotic use and changed attitudes and practices of healthcare professionals, veterinarians, and the general public alike will contribute to appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use.
