Antibiotics: They're one of the great modern, medical marvels for curing many different ailments, in my opinion.

Yet, I am concerned by their often overuse and incorrect use. Improper usage can actually help the “bad bugs” become stronger and more resistant to certain antibiotics, and to me that’s a bit concerning! Recently, schools in various states have reported outbreaks of MRSA - a potentially deadly type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics - in otherwise healthy individuals.

How can we appropriately use antibiotics and slow the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria?

Wash your hands! Frequentl handwashing and taking good care of yourself helps prevent infections in the first place

Remember well: Antibiotics are to treat bacterial infections, not viral!

Sometimes the most appropriate use of antibiotics is not using them at all! Colds and the flu are caused by viruses; you cannot and should not treat them with antibiotics.

Antibiotic overuse is very high particularly in children as parents often request antibiotics when their child is sick. It's very understandable to want your child to recover quickly, but giving antibiotics in situations where they are not needed really just gives bacteria the advantage. The "bugs" simply have another opportunity to become resistant to that particular antibiotic.

If you have a bacterial infection like pneumonia or strep throat, well then that’s a different story. You need antibiotics in those instances. You also should have been seen by a qualified medical provider to be properly diagnosed and treated.

Discuss the proper course of treatment with your physician: It's OK (and wise) to ask your medical provider questions. Please don't have expectations that you will be prescribed antibiotics if you have a sore throat or a cough; the cause may very well be viral. Physicians should know better than to prescribe antibiotics in these situations, as well.

Finish the entire prescription if given antibiotics (for the bacterial infection, of course): If you stop taking the antibiotic in the middle of your prescribed regimen, you might not have been completely cured of the bacterial infection, even though you may be feeling better. You could potentially have a second outbreak. You also give the remaining "bugs" a chance to be become stronger so that they will be able to withstand that antibiotic in the future.

I still think antibiotics are wonderful tools to combat illness...if used appropriately. In the long run appropriate use means you will be happy, I will be happy, and the "bad bugs" will not…but that’s the way we want it.

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