Speak Up: Antibiotics
OakLeaf Surgical Hospital
Altoona
OakLeaf Surgical Hospital has begun a new program with the goal of preventing antibacterial resistance and infection by using antibiotics wisely. Taking an antibiotic when you shouldn’t kills good bacteria in your body, which can cause you more problems, and your body can become resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotics are life-saving drugs when used properly. A doctor will be able to tell you whether antibiotics will help.
Know the facts:
Antibiotics are life-saving drugs when used wisely. Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. They
do not work on viruses that cause colds and flu.
Each year, almost 2 million people in the U.S. become infected with bacteria that antibiotics can’t treat. These bacteria no longer respond to antibiotics. At least 23,000 people die each year from these infections.
A reaction to an antibiotic may require a visit to the
E.R. especially for kids.
Antibiotics also kill good bacteria in your body.
This may lead to other problems like diarrhea or
yeast infections.
Do:
• Take it exactly as your
health care provider says
• Take only the drugs
prescribed for you
• Prevent infections by
washing your hands
and getting vaccinated
Don’t:
• Skip doses
• Share the drugs with others
• Insist on an antibiotic if your
healthcare provider doesn’t
think you should have one
Questions to ask when you are given an antibiotic:
- Why do you need it?
- What kind of infection do you have? Is this the best drug for it?
- How long should you take it?
- Will you get better without it?
- What are the side effects?
- Will it interact with other drugs?
- How and when should you take it?
Everyone must work together to use antibiotics wisely. For more information see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
For more information:
800.635.6197 or 715.831.8130 | oakleafsurgical.com
