Resistant bacteria

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• Infections are caused by two main types of germs—bacteria and viruses. Bacterial infections can be cured by antibiotics—viral infections cannot.
• Viral infections cause most coughs, sore throats and all colds. People recover from viral infections when the illness has run its course.
• Antibiotics are among the most powerful and important medicines known. Each time antibiotics are taken, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant ones may be left to grow and multiply. Some resistant strains of bacteria are already untreatable.
• Nearly one-fourth of Americans misuse antibiotics. Inappropriate uses can result from incorrect diagnosis of infections, unnecessary prescriptions for strong, broad-spectrum antibiotics, repeated and improper use of antibiotics, and pressure placed upon physicians by patients to provide treatment.
• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be spread to others in the family, community, and hospital.
• Some antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be treated with more powerful medicines, which may need to be given by vein (IV) in the hospital.
• At present, most strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria originate and are contracted from hospital intensive care units (ICUs). Therefore, untreatable and hard-to-treat bacteria are much more common in hospitals than in the community at large.
• Many hospitals have systems to track the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and to provide information to health-system pharmacists and physicians about the use and effectiveness of antibiotics.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), current costs related to treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are estimated to be over $4 ion annually.
• Doctors and health-system pharmacists can determine when antibiotics are and are not needed. Here are a few examples:

  Ear infections: There are several types; most need antibiotics, but some do not.
  Sinus Infections: Antibiotics are needed for some long-lasting or severe cases.
  Cough or bronchitis: Antibiotics are rarely needed for bronchitis.
  Sore throat: Most cases are caused by viruses. Only one main kind, “strep throat,” requires antibiotics. This kind must be diagnosed by a laboratory test.
  Colds: Antibiotics have no effect on colds.

• Viral infections may sometimes lead to bacterial infections. However, treating viral infections with antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections does not work.
• Patients most susceptible to antibiotic-resistant bacteria include premature infants, children, the elderly, burn victims, bone marrow transplant patients, and those with weakened immune systems such as AIDS patients and leukemia patients.
• Vaccinations that offer protection from infection are available. This is particularly vital for children, the elderly, and those with serious health conditions. Health-system pharmacists and doctors can provide information on such vaccinations.
• For patients undergoing certain operations, appropriate use of antibiotics can protect them from infection before and after surgery.
• Health-system pharmacists play an important role in hospitals deciding if antibiotic use is appropriate for patients. They also make sure the most appropriate medications are used to limit the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Health-system pharmacists actively participate in the creation and implementation of standards and procedures to keep hospitals and other health care facilities safe from antibiotic-resistant bacteria.