Northern Hospital of Surry County is part of a nationwide effort to fight drug-resistant infections, a fact that is particularly relevant this week, which President Obama proclaimed National Get Smart About Antibiotics Week
“Our Antibiotic Stewardship Team, formed several years ago, focuses on correctly prescribing antibiotics, education on antibiotic usage and duration, and the collaboration between patients, families and providers,” says Kitty Horton, infection prevention manager at Northern Hospital.
The CDC identifies the most important action needed to slow the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant infections is to change the way antibiotics are used. Many people don’t realize that antibiotics don’t touch viruses, according to information from Northern Hospital
“Antibiotics only treat illnesses caused by bacteria. Colds, the flu, most sore throats, bronchitis, and many sinus and ear infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria,” the hospital said in a written statement.
“Parents often believe that an antibiotic prescription will bring relief to their child’s illness but many times the illness is caused by a virus. Antibiotics do not help fight viral illnesses and can cause unpleasant side effects,” said Dr. Lauren Youell, pediatrician at Northern Pediatrics.
Dr. Youell urges, “if your child is diagnosed with a viral illness, ask what you can do to help him/her feel more comfortable while the child’s immune system does its work. This might include drinking plenty of fluids, getting a lot of rest, using a cool mist humidifier, or gargling with salt water.”
“The fact is, taking antibiotics for a virus may be harmful and this fuels the increase in drug-resistant bacteria infections that are more difficult, and sometimes impossible, to cure,” the hospital said.
For information on Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, visit www.cdc.gov/getsmart