For Release
IDPH Marks U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, November 18-24
Agency urges consumers and healthcare professionals to help improve antibiotic use to combat the threat of antimicrobial resistance
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will mark U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, November 18-24, with public and social media outreach to encourage best practices in the use of antibiotics. The campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the threat of antimicrobial resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.
“Antibiotics are an essential tool to fight infections. However, when not used effectively, antibiotic use can have unintended consequences that place patients at risk for serious drug-resistant illness,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “This week is a good time to remind everyone to only use antibiotics when necessary and to carefully follow instructions for their use when prescribed.”
Vohra notes that antibiotics do not treat viruses, such as those that cause colds, the flu, RSV, or COVID-19. Use of antibiotics when not medically recommended can increase the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance, when bacteria and other germs develop an immunity to the drugs that were designed to fight them. Each year, more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur in the United States, and more than 35,000 people die as a result.
To further promote public awareness, Governor JB Pritzker has issued a proclamation and recorded a video message about Antibiotic Awareness Week. In the video, the governor notes the number of antibiotic-resistant infections annually and says, “This is why the Illinois Department of Public Health and its many partners throughout the state are working together to educate health professionals and the general public about antimicrobial resistance and appropriate antibiotic use. I am proud to support them by declaring the week of November 18 to 24 Antibiotic Awareness Week in Illinois.” You can view the video here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages healthcare professionals to prescribe antibiotics judiciously and to speak with their patients about why they don’t need antibiotics for a viral respiratory infection, what to do to feel better, and when to seek additional care. The CDC has created an easy reference chart to explain when antibiotic use is not appropriate for common respiratory infections:
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