Health officials urge public and health care providers to get smart about antibiotics

A coalition of public health officials and health care providers is urging physicians to "get smart" about when it's helpful – and when it's harmful – to prescribe antibiotics.

Despite previous efforts to educate physicians and the public, patients are still too often given antibiotics for viral infections, including the flu, chest colds, runny noses, coughs, and most sore throats.

Antibiotics are not effective for a viral illness, and using them when they are not needed can result in serious problems. Even when used properly – to treat bacterial infections – antibiotics can cause side effects such as diarrhea, rashes, and allergic reactions.

More importantly, using antibiotics when they're not needed can lead to the development of "super bugs" – antibiotic-resistant bacteria – which can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics when they're needed to treat bacterial infections.

"People often have the expectation that the doctor should 'give them medicine' when they're ill, and many patients come in demanding antibiotics," said Dr. David Williams, Infectious Disease Specialist and Assistant Chief of Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center. "We've seen some progress in discouraging inappropriate use of these drugs, but we still have some work to do."

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over the last decade, most common bacteria have developed resistance to many of the frequently used antibiotics. Resistant bacteria are also a growing health problem here in Minnesota, based on surveillance conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).

This week public health officials and health care providers are calling attention to the ongoing problem of antibiotic misuse as part of "Get Smart About Antibiotics Week." The observance is being sponsored nationally by the CDC.

At the state level, the event is being promoted by MDH and the Minnesota Antibiotic Resistance Collaborative (MARC). MARC is a coalition of health care organizations MDH, and the Minnesota Medical Association, created to address this issue.

"Fortunately, there are things that consumers and health care providers can do to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use," said Jane Harper, infection control specialist at MDH. "If you're a patient, let your health care provider decide if you really need an antibiotic. And if antibiotics won't help, there are other things you can do for yourself while you recover from your illness."

Among the steps you can take if you have a viral infection:

* Be patient, and let your body fight the infection; viral infections can last as long as 10-14 days.
* Get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids.
* Use over-the-counter remedies to ease the unpleasant symptoms of a viral infection while your body heals itself.