APhA Calls For Appropriate Use Of Antibiotics - Pharmacists And Other Healthcare Professionals Can Educate The Public

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the national professional society of pharmacists, encourages patients to talk to their pharmacist and healthcare professional about proper antibiotic use, prevention of antibiotic resistance, and appropriate infection control. Tens of thousands of deaths and an estimated 1 million hospital infections are blamed on antibiotic resistant bacteria each year. According to an article in the October 17, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), inappropriate and overuse of antibiotics is a major contributing factor to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. "Pharmacists, as the medication use specialists, have the knowledge and skills to assist with the selection and appropriate use of antibiotics," according to John Gans, APhA Executive Vice President. "The battle against drug-resistant infections requires a commitment by healthcare providers and patients to protect the public's health." Drug-resistant bacteria include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumonia. Infections caused by MRSA appear to be more prevalent than previously believed and are being found more often outside of health care settings, according to the JAMA study. MRSA has become the most frequent cause of skin and soft tissue infections among patients presenting to emergency departments in the United States, and can also cause severe, sometimes fatal invasive disease. APhA, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommends the following antibiotic use and infection prevention tips: Appropriate Antibiotic Use- Know how to take your medication. Complete prescribed courses of treatment (don't skip doses) even if you are feeling better. - Do not demand antibiotics when a health care provider has determined they are not needed. - Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be appropriate for your illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply. - Do not save any antibiotics for the next time you get sick. Appropriately discard any leftover medication once you have completed your prescribed course of treatment. - Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold, a cough or the flu. - Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about your medication therapy. Prevention of Infection- Be up-to-date on your immunizations. - Watch for signs of infection (unexpected pain, chills, or fever or drainage or increased inflammation from wounds), especially if recently discharged from hospitals. - See a physician promptly if you have a suspicious skin sore or boil. - Wash hands thoroughly and often with soap and water. - Ask health care workers to wash their hands before examinations. - Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a bandage until healed. - Avoid contact with other people's wounds or material contaminated by wounds. - Do not share items such as razors, soap, ointments and balms, towels or wash cloths, clothing or uniforms. - If participating in contact sports, cover cuts, scrapes and other wounds with a bandage. - Shower with soap immediately after each practice or game. Wipe down all nonwashable equipment (mats, head protectors, gymnastics equipment, etc.) with alcohol or antibiotic solution after each person uses it. - If caring for someone with an infection at home, wash hands with soap after each physical contact and before going outside. Only use towels for drying hands once. Change and launder linens frequently, right away if they are soiled.