Calling All Moms and Dads—Antibiotics Aren't Always the Answer!
Antibiotics do not fight viral illnesses like colds. Taking antibiotics for colds can be harmful to your child's health—in fact, unnecessary antibiotics can make future infections harder to treat. Work with your child's pediatrician to find the best treatment for your sick child.
Get Smart About Antibiotics Week 2017:
During Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, observed November 13-19, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) joins the health care community to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and improving antibiotic use in health care settings.
Overprescribing antibiotics in outpatient settings puts children at risk of serious adverse effects and is the leading source of pediatric Clostridium difficile infections.
By 2020, the U.S. aims to reduce such inappropriate use of antibiotics in outpatient settings by 50%. Reaching this goal requires a significant reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use for acute respiratory conditions, which account for 44% of outpatient prescriptions. Half are unnecessary prescriptions.
The AAP encourages pediatricians and families to participate in the week by implementing recommendations on antibiotic use.
For more information and campaign resources, visit the links below.
Additional Information & Resources: