Antibiotics are important medications that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria in humans and animals by either killing the bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and multiply. Viral illnesses cannot be treated with antibiotics.<\/p>\n
Why is antibiotic awareness important?<\/strong><\/h3>\nAntibiotic awareness is important because the overuse and misuse of antibiotics are key factors contributing to antibiotic resistance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 47 million antibiotic courses are prescribed for infections that do not need antibiotics, such as viruses.<\/p>\n
The general public, doctors, and hospitals all play a role in ensuring the proper use of medications and minimizing the development of antibiotic resistance.<\/p>\n
What are some best practices when thinking about antibiotics? What questions should you ask your doctor?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Only take antibiotics when indicated and prescribed by your doctor.<\/li>\n
- Do not share antibiotics with others or save antibiotics for later.<\/li>\n
- Never pressure your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment if you are sick.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are some common myths or bad habits when it comes to antibiotic use?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- Myth 1: Antibiotics can be used to treat colds and flu.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These infections are typically caused by viruses, and antibiotics are used to treat bacteria. Taking antibiotics when you don\u2019t need them can lead to bacterial resistance.<\/p>\n
\n- Myth 2: Certain antibiotics can help with COVID-19 symptoms.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
COVID-19 is a virus and will not respond to antibiotics.<\/p>\n
\n- Myth 3: The more antibiotics you take, the more effective they become.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Every course of antibiotics you take may increase the chance of resistance, potentially rendering them less effective. There is no guarantee that one course won\u2019t have the same effect as several. Furthermore, you could experience unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.<\/p>\n
Top 5 things to know about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- The first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered in the late 1920s, but it wasn\u2019t used to treat infections until the 1940s. Since the early 2000s, the development of new antibiotics has slowed while resistance has increased.<\/li>\n
- Antimicrobial resistance is recognized as one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide.<\/li>\n
- Taking unnecessary antibiotics may do more harm than good. Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics over time, making it harder to treat bacterial infections. Drug-resistant bacteria make it harder to find effective antibiotic options when you do face a severe infection.<\/li>\n
- In the United States, 70% of all antibiotics sold are used on farms to fight off infection in livestock and enhance their growth.<\/li>\n
- Antibiotic resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Meet the Antimicrobial Stewards at Cooper<\/strong><\/h2>\n“As an antimicrobial stewardship team, we review patients on antimicrobials to ensure safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment for infections. We help develop protocols and policies around antibiotic use inpatient and outpatient. Our overall goal is to optimize appropriate use of antibiotics to minimize resistance and improve outcomes on a patient, hospital, and ultimately global level. We love interacting with medical teams to help guide antimicrobial management and encourage clinicians to page or call us anytime!” -Alexandra Hanretty, PharmD<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Alexandra](\"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/files\/2021\/11\/Alexandra-Hanretty-web.jpg\")
<\/a><\/td>\nAlexandra Hanretty, PharmD
\n<\/strong>Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist
\nCo-Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/files\/2021\/11\/Geena-Kludjian-web.jpg\")
<\/a><\/td>\nGeena Kludjian, PharmD<\/strong>
\nInfectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/files\/2021\/11\/Lisa-Pedroza.jpg\")
<\/a><\/td>\nLisa Pedroza, MD
\n<\/strong>Infectious Diseases Physician
\nDirector, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/files\/2021\/11\/Peter-Ebeid.jpg\")
<\/a><\/td>\nPeter Ebeid, MD<\/strong>
\nInfectious Diseases Physician<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/files\/2021\/11\/Henry-Fraimow.jpg\")
<\/a><\/td>\nHenry Fraimow, MD
\n<\/strong>Infectious Diseases Physician
\nMentor, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\nInfectious disease specialists at Cooper diagnose and evaluate infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. We assist in the treatment of disease through the use of antibiotics and other agents, and aid in the prevention of disease by vaccination against infection. Cooper infectious disease specialists also staff the\u00a0Early Intervention Program<\/a> for individuals affected by the HIV. Learn more about our programs for adults and children by clicking here<\/a> to visit our website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
- \n
- Only take antibiotics when indicated and prescribed by your doctor.<\/li>\n
- Do not share antibiotics with others or save antibiotics for later.<\/li>\n
- Never pressure your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment if you are sick.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What are some common myths or bad habits when it comes to antibiotic use?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- \n
- Myth 1: Antibiotics can be used to treat colds and flu.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These infections are typically caused by viruses, and antibiotics are used to treat bacteria. Taking antibiotics when you don\u2019t need them can lead to bacterial resistance.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Myth 2: Certain antibiotics can help with COVID-19 symptoms.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
COVID-19 is a virus and will not respond to antibiotics.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Myth 3: The more antibiotics you take, the more effective they become.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Every course of antibiotics you take may increase the chance of resistance, potentially rendering them less effective. There is no guarantee that one course won\u2019t have the same effect as several. Furthermore, you could experience unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.<\/p>\n
Top 5 things to know about antibiotics and antibiotic resistance:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
- \n
- The first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered in the late 1920s, but it wasn\u2019t used to treat infections until the 1940s. Since the early 2000s, the development of new antibiotics has slowed while resistance has increased.<\/li>\n
- Antimicrobial resistance is recognized as one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide.<\/li>\n
- Taking unnecessary antibiotics may do more harm than good. Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics over time, making it harder to treat bacterial infections. Drug-resistant bacteria make it harder to find effective antibiotic options when you do face a severe infection.<\/li>\n
- In the United States, 70% of all antibiotics sold are used on farms to fight off infection in livestock and enhance their growth.<\/li>\n
- Antibiotic resistance leads to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Meet the Antimicrobial Stewards at Cooper<\/strong><\/h2>\n
“As an antimicrobial stewardship team, we review patients on antimicrobials to ensure safety, efficacy, and optimal treatment for infections. We help develop protocols and policies around antibiotic use inpatient and outpatient. Our overall goal is to optimize appropriate use of antibiotics to minimize resistance and improve outcomes on a patient, hospital, and ultimately global level. We love interacting with medical teams to help guide antimicrobial management and encourage clinicians to page or call us anytime!” -Alexandra Hanretty, PharmD<\/p>\n
\n\n
\n <\/a><\/td>\nAlexandra Hanretty, PharmD
\n<\/strong>Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist
\nCo-Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n <\/a><\/td>\nGeena Kludjian, PharmD<\/strong>
\nInfectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n <\/a><\/td>\nLisa Pedroza, MD
\n<\/strong>Infectious Diseases Physician
\nDirector, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n <\/a><\/td>\nPeter Ebeid, MD<\/strong>
\nInfectious Diseases Physician<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n <\/a><\/td>\nHenry Fraimow, MD
\n<\/strong>Infectious Diseases Physician
\nMentor, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\nInfectious disease specialists at Cooper diagnose and evaluate infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. We assist in the treatment of disease through the use of antibiotics and other agents, and aid in the prevention of disease by vaccination against infection. Cooper infectious disease specialists also staff the\u00a0Early Intervention Program<\/a> for individuals affected by the HIV. Learn more about our programs for adults and children by clicking here<\/a> to visit our website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
- Myth 3: The more antibiotics you take, the more effective they become.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Myth 2: Certain antibiotics can help with COVID-19 symptoms.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Myth 1: Antibiotics can be used to treat colds and flu.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n