Get Smart About Antibiotics

1
Get Smart About Antibiotics

• Employee Wellness Program
• 2310 N. First St., Suite 103
• San Jose, CA 95131
• [phone]
• www.sccgov.org/wellness
• Source Centers for Disease Control and
  Prevention www.cdc.gov/getsmart

2
What They Do

• Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight
  bacterial infections.
• Antibiotics either kill bacteria or keep them
  from reproducing.
• When used properly, antibiotics can save lives.

3
What They Don't Do

• Antibiotics do not cure viral infections such as
  
• ?Colds or flu
• ?Most coughs and bronchitis
• ?Sore throats not caused by strep
• ?Runny noses
• Taking antibiotics for viral infections will not
  help you feel better or keep other individuals
  from catching the illness.

4
Antibiotic Resistance

• Taking antibiotics when they are not needed can
  cause some bacteria to become resistant to the
  antibiotic.
• These resistant bacteria are stronger and harder
  to kill.
• Resistant bacteria can cause severe illnesses
  which cannot be cured with antibiotics. You may
  require stronger treatment and possibly a stay in
  the hospital.

5
Take It the Right Way

• Take antibiotics exactly as directed.
• Do not skip doses.
• Do not share it with others.
• Finish the prescription even if you feel better.
• Do not save any of the antibiotics for the next
  time you get sick.