What are bacteria?
Bacteria are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. They can be found everywhere in the environment outdoors and indoors. Certain kinds of bacteria can be helpful such as those found in the human gut that help digest food. Other kinds of bacteria can be harmful germs that make us sick.
What are viruses?
Viruses are germs that can cause infections such as a cold, the flu, and bronchitis. A virus can travel through the air and enter your body when a sick person coughs or sneezes. Your body will try to fight and kill the virus. If your body can’t kill the virus right away, then you will start to feel sick in 1-2 days. No medication can cure a sickness caused by a virus – especially not antibiotics.
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that can kill bacteria and only bacteria. Antibiotics don't work against viruses which are organisms that can cause illnesses such as the common cold and flu. Antibiotics enable physicians to cure bacterial illnesses like some ear infections and strep throat.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Bacteria build defenses which allow them to fight off or become "resistant" against antibiotics. Resistant bacteria cause infections that are more difficult to treat, result in longer and costlier hospitalizations, and must be treated with stronger antibiotics that may have more serious side effects.
What can I do to help fight the problem of antibiotic resistance?
Never take an antibiotic for colds or the flu. They don't work and you will not get better any faster. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, finish the prescription even if you feel better. Never share or take leftover antibiotics.
When are antibiotics needed?
Antibiotics are needed for bacterial infections such as strep throat and urinary tract infections. Sometimes they may be needed for middle ear and sinus infections. Talk to your doctor and take the right drug for the right bug!
When are antibiotics not needed?
Antibiotics are not needed for viral infections such as colds, flu (influenza), chest colds, bronchitis, and coughs. Most sore throats are caused by viruses that don't need an antibiotic. Yellow to green runny noses or sputum does not indicate a need for an antibiotic.
Why are antibiotics not being used properly?
Misuse of antibiotics occurs because many of us believe antibiotics will make us better whenever we are sick. The public often expects or demands antibiotics for every sniffle that comes along. Studies have shown that patients will drop a physician if they don't get an antibiotic they believe they need. Pressured by patients, doctors often write prescriptions for patients. According to the Centers for Disease Control between 20 and 50 percent of the antibiotics prescribed each year are unnecessary.
I have been taking prescribed antibiotics but now I feel better. Should I stop taking them?
No. You should take the full course of medication as directed by your doctor. The minimum amount of antibiotic you took to make you may feel better may have killed only the most susceptible bacteria. Thus, this leaves the hardiest bacteria to survive and multiply.
What can I do if I have the cold or flu?
Do not demand an antibiotic, they don't work and you will not get better any faster. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of fluids. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medications that might help your fever, pain, cough, runny nose and other cold symptoms.
What can I do to feel better?
The CMA Foundation’s AWARE project (the Alliance Working for Antibiotic Resistance Education) publishes an annual antibiotic awareness toolkit, which includes adult and pediatric brochures that identify common symptoms and suggest remedies that can provide symptomatic relief.
What can I do to keep from getting sick?
Proper hand washing is probably the most important thing parents and children can do to prevent from getting sick. Washing hands with soap, including the backs of hands, in between fingers, for 20 to 30 seconds will keep you healthy. Maintaining good health through exercise, a proper diet and plenty of sleep is also important. In addition, immunizations and vaccinations help us avoid serious, preventable diseases such as flu and pneumonia.
Where can I get more information?
The California Medical Association Foundation’s AWARE project (the Alliance Working for Antibiotic Resistance Education) is a long-term, statewide effort to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics. Visit the AWARE website for more information.