Antibiotic Resistance: You’ve got Questions? We’ve got Answers.

By Cindy Michaels, RN, CIC, Infection Preventionist

Did you know? 

Cindy Michaels, RN, CIC
BMC Infection Preventionist

Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections. When used properly, antibiotics can save lives by killing bacteria or preventing them from reproducing. But if taken when not needed or used improperly, they can do more harm than good. Using antibiotics in the wrong way can lead to antibiotic resistant infections.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in the United States. Each year, at least 2 million people get serious infections with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics designed to treat those infections. Patients and families can play an important role in helping to ensure antibiotics are always used appropriately.

What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change and become able to resist the effects of an antibiotic.

How can I help prevent antibiotic resistance?
• Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare provider instructs. It is important to finish your medication even if you feel better. If you stop treatment too soon, some bacteria may survive and reinfect you.
• Only take antibiotics prescribed for you.
• Do not save antibiotics for the next illness or share them with others.

What questions should I ask my provider about antibiotics?
1. Do I really need an antibiotic?
          You do not need antibiotics for:
                  • Colds or flu;
                  • Most coughs and bronchitis;
                  • Sore throats not caused by strep;
                  • Runny noses; or
                  • Most earaches 

2. Can I get better without this antibiotic? 
3. What side effects or drug interactions can I expect? 
4. What side effects should I report to you? 
5. How do you know what kind of infection I have?

To learn more about antibiotic resistance, visit http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/ or http://apic.org/infectionpreventionandyou. 



Information gathered in part from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.