Antibiotic Awareness Week, which takes place from November 18 through November 24, is an annual observance that highlights the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.
What are antibiotics?
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.
Why is antibiotic awareness important?
Antibiotic awareness is important because the overuse and misuse of antibiotics are key factors contributing to antibiotic resistance.
The general public, doctors, and hospitals all play a role in ensuring the proper use of medications and minimizing the development of antibiotic resistance.
What are some common myths when it comes to antibiotic use?
Myth 1: Antibiotics can be used to treat colds and flu
- These infections are typically caused by viruses, and antibiotics are used to treat bacteria. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can lead to bacterial resistance.
Myth 2: Certain antibiotics can help with COVID-19 symptoms
- COVID-19 is a virus and will not respond to antibiotics.
Myth 3: The more antibiotics you take, the more effective they become
- Every course of antibiotics you take may increase the chances of resistance. Also, there is no guarantee that one course won’t have the same effect as several. Plus, you could experience unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Myth 4: Antibiotics are non-toxic
- All antibiotics can potentially cause unwanted side effects, even if used short term.
Myth 5: Intravenous (IV) antibiotics are more effective than oral antibiotics
- What matters most is that the drug reaches the site of infection. Also, IV antibiotics can increase the potential for line infections or infusion reactions.
Myth 6: More expensive antibiotics are better than cheaper antibiotics
- Many first-line antibiotics are cheap and great options to treat common infections.
Myth 7: My mom told me I had a penicillin allergy so I can never take penicillin or any related antibiotics
- Many patients who report a penicillin allergy do not have a true penicillin allergy (hives, anaphylaxis, etc.). Most patients grow out of penicillin allergies, especially if the initial reaction was just a rash as a child. Patients with non-severe allergies can safely receive other antibiotics in the same class as penicillin. Ask your health care provider about your penicillin allergy.
Visit Pulse+ starting this Friday, November 18, through next Friday, November 25, to answer a trivia question about antibiotic awareness – if you get the question right, you will be in the running to receive a prize.