Health officials concerned about overuse of antibiotics

By Chasidy Davis 
Public Health Nurse 
Highland County Health Department

In recent years, doctors and health experts have become increasingly concerned about the overuse of antibiotics. Antibiotics are powerful medicines that help fight infections caused by bacteria, such as strep throat or pneumonia. However, when used too often or incorrectly, they can cause more harm than good.

One of the biggest problems with overusing antibiotics is that bacteria can become resistant to them. This means that the antibiotics no longer work as effectively to fight infections. This is called antibiotic resistance. It can make simple infections harder to treat, and in some cases, even life-threatening.

Experts say that many people take antibiotics when they don’t need them. For example, antibiotics do not work on viral infections like the common cold or the flu. But sometimes, people ask for antibiotics when they have these illnesses, or doctors prescribe them out of habit. This overuse of antibiotics is a major factor in the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

William Nethery,  Pharmacist from Highland District Hospital states, "The CDC has classified antimicrobial resistance as an urgent global public health threat with 2.8 million resistant infections in the US every year. This issue is a reality within our own community as we are seeing increasing resistant infections. It is important to understand that antibiotics do not help with viruses, such as flu and colds, and are not helpful in most cases of bronchitis, sinus and ear infections, and sore throats. 

"Awareness of this issue for both prescribers and patients is important because when antibiotics are needed, they will potentially not help, leaving only the risk of side effects from the antibiotics for the patient. Studies have demonstrated that antibiotics are prescribed more by a provider when the expectation of the patient is to receive a prescription for them, even though the actual probability of bacterial infection for the patient is low. We can all do our part to help with this rising issue if we understand the consequences of overuse, and take antibiotics only as prescribed by a healthcare professional."

Health officials are advising doctors and patients to use antibiotics only when needed. Patients should always finish their full course of antibiotics, even if they feel better, to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant.

Fighting antibiotic resistance is a team effort. Doctors, patients, and even farmers who use antibiotics on animals must all help protect these important medicines.

Remember: Antibiotics are important, but they should only be used when needed. Let’s all help keep them working for generations to come.