- Date: November 17, 2010
- Source: Admin
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observes the annual Get Smart About Antibiotics Week from 15-21 November 2010. This is the third annual meeting. The theme for this meet is antibiotic resistance.
Several bodies, including CDC, non profit and profit partners including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local departments of health, have convened to highlight their joint efforts to bring awareness about antibiotic resistance. They seek to educate the public about the appropriate use of antibiotics.
"Antibiotics are essential to combat life-threatening bacterial infections," says Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of CDC. "Unfortunately, misuse of antibiotics is widespread and contributes to resistance. We have to better promote appropriate use of antibiotics to preserve these life-saving tools."
The CDC launched the Get Smart for Healthcare program in concurrence with the Get Smart About Antibiotics Week 2010. This programs aims to improve the use of antibiotics in nursing homes and hospitals. The objective is to implement proven strategies to ensure appropriate antibiotics use.
About Antibiotics
Bacterial infections are largely treated with antibiotics. They kill or injure bacteria. Sadly, these drugs are over-prescribed. Despite possible harmful consequences and the uselessness of its use in certain areas, healthcare professionals prescribe antibiotics for viral infections and fungal infections. Inappropriate antibiotic prescription and treatment using antibiotics have largely contributed to the emergence of resistant bacteria. The misuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotics resistance becoming a critical public health concern world over.
FDA’s contribution to Smart Antibiotic Use
FDA recommends the following steps for the proper use of antibiotics:
- Follow the prescription without skipping doses, even if you feel better. The effectiveness of antibiotics lies in its complete prescription.
- Use the prescribed antibiotics to treat your infection now. Do not hoard it to use later. Leftover medicines should not be taken. Incorrect use of medicines can worsen the infection and delay recovery.
- Do not self-medicate or consume antibiotics prescribed to someone else. The right treatment for your infection can be prescribed only by a healthcare professional.
Hope for the future
Antibiotic resistance can be curtailed with careful and appropriate drug use. The drugs can be prescribed only to those people who have severe bacterial infections, thus limiting antibiotic resistance buildup.
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