Antibiotic resistance threatens your family’s safety…

We can all help fight antibiotic resistance;
Six steps to join the "Refuse To Misuse" campaign

Five years ago, The Center for Science in the Public Interest, noted that three Americans infected by Staphylococcus bacteria were resistant to the antibiotic, vancomycin. Why should such a small statistic be so significant? Vancomycin is the last line of defense in treating staph infections. It was a sign that antibiotics were being mis-used for non-bacterial infections.

Despite antibiotics’ proven value, these drugs (which also include penicillin, tetracycline and others) have been over-used in both medicine and agriculture. Now, we’re discovering antibiotics aren’t always the answer, and they may not work if we become antibiotic-resistant.

Antibiotics were developed to fight bacterial infections. Viruses cause the common cold, sore throats, upper respiratory infections and the flu. So, antibiotics are not going to cure any of these common seasonal illnesses. By asking the doctor for an antibiotic prescription for a non-bacterial infection, we’re adding to the problem – that a virulent bacteria will arise that will resist even the strongest antibiotics.

Bacteria are smart. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise. Stronger antibiotics for bacterial infections like tuberculosis, staph infections, and pneumonia can have more serious side effects.

Antibiotic resistance threatens young and old. Here’s how you can help:

1. What’s really needed for a cold, sore throat, upper respiratory infection or the flu is rest and fluids.
2. When an antibiotic is prescribed, take the full dose prescribed, even if you feel better in a few days. At this point, you’ve killed only the weakest bugs. The strongest bacterial bugs will thrive and multiply.
3. Don’t save antibiotics to treat the next infection and don’t share your medicine with others.
4. If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, call your doctor.
5. If you think you’re having an allergic reaction to the antibiotic, stop taking the prescription and call your doctor immediately.

When should you call your doctor?

• High fever (over 102° F) or fever with shaking chills;
• Extreme fatigue, lethargy or confusion;
• Severe sore throat and difficulty swallowing;
• Rapid labored breathing or wheezing;
• Shortness of breath;
• Persistent or severe chest pain;
• Stiff neck or severe headache;
• Unusual rash or skin pallor;
• Cold symptoms lasting longer than two weeks.

Additional Links:

• Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/community
• Michigan Antibiotic Resistance Reduction Coalition: www.reducemisuse.org