A Message from Washington State Health Officer Maxine Hayes, MD, MPH
The careful use of antibiotics is a major public health concern. Antibiotics
are one of our most important weapons in fighting bacterial infections. But
over the past decade commonly used antibiotics have become less and less effective
against certain illnesses. How did this happen? Antibiotics are overused. Antibiotics
are powerful drugs, but they don’t cure everything. A recent statewide survey
showed that, at least once in the past year, 20% or more of Washington adults
and parents asked for a prescription for antibiotics before their health care
provider recommended it. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses such as colds
or flu. If you take antibiotics for a viral illness you could develop resistant
germs or “super-bugs.” Then, when you really need the antibiotic for a serious
bacterial infection, it may not work. Many people don’t follow the directions
for taking antibiotics. Most antibiotics are prescribed as a course of pills
to be taken over a week or 10 days. It is very important to take the entire
course of pills as directed by your provider. After a few days, many people
start to feel better and stop taking the antibiotics. Yet all the germs have
not been killed. Unfortunately, the bacteria that survive will be the most resistant
to the antibiotic. Those last few pills kill the worst germs. If you accidentally
miss a dose or are worried about possible side effects, talk to your health
care provider about what to do. What you can do to prevent developing antibiotic
resistance: Talk to your doctor or health care provider about when antibiotics
are appropriate. Don’t pressure your provider for antibiotics to treat symptoms
of a cold, flu, or other viral illnesses. Many over-the-counter medications
are very effective for treating these symptoms. If your provider tells you to
wait a few more days to see if you feel better before you fill a prescription
for antibiotics, take this advice seriously. Don’t fill the prescription unless
you plan to take it. Always follow your provider’s directions when antibiotics
are prescribed. Take the entire course of pills as directed. Never take antibiotics
without a prescription. Never save or store them, or give your prescription
to family or friends. Call your health care provider if you have any side effects
or if you have questions about taking antibiotics.
Antibiotic Resistance
Washington State Department of Health Epidemiology,
Health Statistics and Public Health Laboratories
1610 NE 150th ST
Shoreline, Washington, 98155-9701
206-361-2844
Education Campaign
Washington State Department of Health
Office of Health Promotion
PO Box 47833
Olympia, Washington, 98504-7833
360-236-3736
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This page was last updated on July 25, 2011.
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