Archived CDC Video Webcast: Antibiotic Resistance Press Conference (April 17, 2001) - A National Dialogue on Antibiotic Resistance Risks and Solutions
APUA (Alliance for Prudent Use of Antibiotics)
Antimicrobial Resistance Factsheet - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Agricultural Use of Antibiotics - Environmental Media Services
The Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections - FDA Consumer report
With concerns over antibiotic resistant bacteria on the rise, do you know when you should and should not take the drugs?
As this ScienCentral News video report shows, a researcher found that most college students dont know as much about antibiotics as they think.
Quiz: Test your antibiotic IQ
(Answers below)
1. True or False: Antibiotics (like penicillin or amoxicillin) cure coughs, colds, flu and sore throats caused by any kind of germ.
2. The common cold is caused by a) bacteria, b) a virus, c) both bacteria and viruses.
3. If you have a virus (such as bronchitis or a cold), taking antibiotics will a) help you get better faster, b) make no difference in how long it takes you to get well, c) increase the chance that you will become infected with "antibiotic-resistant" bacteria (superbugs).
4. True or False: Taking antibiotics when you dont need them can make them less effective when you do need them.
Answers:
1. False. Antibiotics only work on illnesses caused by bacterialike strep throat, sinus infections, and middle ear infections. Antibiotics cant cure illnesses caused by viruseslike colds, flu, coughs and bronchitis.
2. B. A virus.
3. B and C. Antibiotics arent designed to kill viruses, so taking them when you have a cold or bronchitis will not help you get better faster. Even worse, using antibiotics when they arent needed increases your chance of getting an infection with "antibiotic-resistant bacteria."
4. True. When antibiotics are used when they arent needed, bacteria can develop ways to fight off the medicine. These germs are called "antibiotic-resistant bacteria" or "superbugs," and can cause illnesses that are much harder to cure.
Quiz courtesy The Alliance Employer Health Care Cooperative and the Wisconsin Antibiotic Resistance Network (WARN)