Antibiotic stewardship

The appropriate use of antibiotics — often called antibiotic stewardship — can help to:

• Preserve the effectiveness of current antibiotics
• Extend the life span of current antibiotics
• Protect people from antibiotic-resistant infections
• Avoid side effects from using antibiotics inappropriately

Many hospitals and medical associations have implemented new diagnostic and treatment guidelines to ensure effective treatments for bacterial infections and reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics.

The public also plays a role in antibiotic stewardship. You can help reduce the development of antibiotic resistance if you:

• Avoid pressuring your doctor to give you an antibiotic prescription. Ask your doctor for advice on how to treat symptoms.
• Practice good hygiene, to avoid bacterial infections that need antibiotic treatment.
• Make sure you and your children receive recommended vaccinations. Some recommended vaccines protect against bacterial infections, such as diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis).
• Reduce your risk of getting a foodborne bacterial infection. Don't drink raw milk, wash your hands, and cook foods to a safe internal temperature.
• Use antibiotics only as prescribed by your doctor. Take the prescribed daily dosage, and complete the entire course of treatment.
• Never take leftover antibiotics for a later illness. They may not be the correct antibiotic and would not be a full course of treatment.
• Never take antibiotics prescribed for another person.