The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is highlighting the importance of responsible antibiotic and antifungal use during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, which takes place from November 18 to 24. This annual event aims to educate the public about antimicrobial resistance—a phenomenon where bacteria and other germs become resistant to drugs designed to eliminate them.
Governor JB Pritzker has supported the initiative by issuing a proclamation and recording a video message encouraging residents to learn more about antimicrobial resistance and protective measures. Additional information can be found on the IDPH’s US Antibiotic Awareness Week webpage and through resources on antimicrobial stewardship provided by the department.
“Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight infections, but they can stop working if we don’t use them correctly,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “When we take antibiotics when they are not needed, germs can learn to fight back, making infections tougher to cure. This week, we’re celebrating nearly 90 Illinois hospitals for leading the way in using antibiotics wisely. When doctors, patients, and families all work together, we can keep these life-saving medicines working for everyone – now and in the future.”
Dr. Vohra emphasized that antibiotics do not treat viral illnesses such as colds, flu, RSV, or COVID-19. Using antibiotics unnecessarily increases the risk of developing drug-resistant infections. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year in the United States, resulting in more than 35,000 deaths.
To acknowledge hospitals taking significant steps against antimicrobial resistance, IDPH established the Acute Care Antimicrobial Stewardship Honor Roll. While nearly all Illinois hospitals have implemented core CDC-recommended stewardship practices, those recognized on this honor roll have adopted targeted strategies across six priority areas: leadership commitment; accountability; stewardship expertise; action with facility-specific recommendations; tracking antibiotic use data via national networks; and regular reporting of antibiotic usage feedback.
Hospitals receive bronze status for meeting at least two priorities, silver for four or more priorities, and gold for all six priorities met. Nearly 90 hospitals were honored this year for their efforts—details are available at 2025 Awardees—and an additional 24 received a Collaboration Distinction for forming sustained partnerships beyond their own institutions.
The campaign also addresses overprescribing concerns: The CDC estimates up to 30 percent of antibiotic prescriptions may be unnecessary nationwide—amounting to approximately 47 million prescriptions annually.
Practitioners are encouraged by CDC guidelines to discuss appropriate antibiotic use with patients and provide advice on alternative treatments or when further care is necessary.
IDPH reminds individuals that good hygiene practices—such as frequent hand-washing with soap or sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when ill, and keeping up-to-date with recommended vaccines like flu shots—can help prevent infection spread and reduce reliance on antimicrobials.
