As U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week approaches, it's our collective responsibility to shed light on the critical role antibiotics play and the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics are powerful medications that save lives, but the misuse and overuse of these vital drugs have led to a concerning rise in antibiotic resistance. This phenomenon occurs when bacteria evolve and develop the ability to withstand the effects of antibiotics, rendering them less effective or ineffective.
Antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to global health, making common infections more challenging to treat and increasing the risk of the spread of infections to others. It affects people of all ages and can lead to longer illnesses, more extended hospital stays, and the need for more expensive and intensive treatments.
From November 18th to 24th, the U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week serves as a rallying point for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public. It's an opportunity to amplify our commitment to responsible antibiotic use, preserving these life-saving drugs for generations to come.
How You Can Contribute:
1. Stay up-to-date on antibiotic use, stewardship and resistance. Sign-up for listservs on antibiotic use, stewardship, and resistance.
2. Educate Others: Take a moment to learn about the proper use of antibiotics and share this knowledge with your community. Knowledge is a powerful tool in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
3. Support Responsible Prescribing: If you are prescribed antibiotics, follow your healthcare professional's advice carefully. Don't self-prescribe or share antibiotics with others.
4.Follow the CDC on social media:
Use social media to spark conversation throughout the week on:
Twitter - @CDCgov Facebook - CDC LinkedIn - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Instagram - CDCgov
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against antibiotic resistance. Let's join hands during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week to ensure a healthier and more resilient future.
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