9 / 32
ARCHBOLD.ORG
•
SPRING 2017
9
THE CENTERS
for Disease Control
and Prevention observed Nov. 14
through 20 as Get Smart About
Antibiotics Week. This annual one-week
observance is intended to raise aware-
ness of the threat of antibiotic resistance
and the importance of appropriate
antibiotic prescribing and use.
Antibiotics do not fight infections
caused by viruses like colds, flu, most
sore throats, bronchitis, and many sinus
and ear infections. Instead, simply treat-
ing the symptoms is considered the best
treatment option for viral infections.
What they can—and can’t—do
“Antibiotics should only be used to
fight bacterial infections,” said Archbold
Pharmacy Director Chris Newman,
PharmD. “When you use antibiotics
appropriately, you do the best for your
health, your family’s health and the
health of those around you.”
Taking antibiotics for viral infections:
•
Will not cure the infection.
•
Will not keep other people from get-
ting sick.
•
Will not help you or your child feel
better.
•
May cause unnecessary and harmful
side effects.
•
May contribute to antibiotic resistance,
which is when bacteria are able to resist
the effects of an antibiotic and continue
to cause harm.
Rest, fluids and over-the-counter
products may be your or your child’s
best treatment option against viral
infections.
Make prudent choices
Remember, there are potential risks
when taking any prescription drug.
Unnecessary antibiotics may lead to
harmful side effects and future antibiotic-
resistant infections.
The basics of
infection savvy
What to do
Just because your healthcare profes-
sional doesn’t give you an antibiotic
doesn’t mean you aren’t sick. Talk
with your healthcare professional
about the best treatment for your or
your child’s illness.
To feel better when you or your
child has a viral infection:
•
Ask your healthcare professional
about over-the-counter treatment
options that may help reduce
symptoms.
•
Drink more fluids.
•
Get plenty of rest.
•
Use a cool-mist vaporizer or saline
nasal spray to relieve congestion.
•
Soothe your throat with crushed
ice, sore-throat spray or lozenges. (Do
not give lozenges to young children.)
•
If you are diagnosed with the flu,
there are flu antiviral drugs that can
be used to treat flu illness. They are
prescription drugs.
What not to do
•
Do not demand antibiotics when
your healthcare professional says
they are not needed.
•
Do not take an antibiotic for a viral
infection.
•
Do not take antibiotics prescribed
for someone else.
Get smart
about
antibiotics