Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will participate in U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week from November 18-24, 2024. This annual event aims to educate the public on the prudent use of antibiotics to prevent antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria and other germs become immune to drugs meant to combat them.

"Antibiotics are powerful, life-saving medications used to treat serious bacterial infections," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "However, overuse or misuse of these medications can cause them to no longer work, contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health concern leading to drug-resistant illnesses that have fewer effective therapies. Antibiotic Awareness Week is a good reminder for Illinois residents to use antibiotics only when necessary and carefully follow your provider and pharmacist’s instructions in their use."

Dr. Vohra emphasized that antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as colds, flu, RSV, or COVID-19. The inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to increased antimicrobial resistance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur annually in the United States, resulting in over 35,000 deaths.

IDPH focuses on combating antimicrobial resistance throughout the year by educating healthcare providers and the public on proper antibiotic usage practices. This year marked the tenth annual conference on this topic, held in July in Lisle, Illinois. Nearly 300 attendees participated in discussions about promoting antimicrobial stewardship in healthcare facilities and addressing health inequities related to drug-resistant illnesses.

The theme for this year's awareness week is "Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us," which emphasizes a "One Health" approach linking human health with animal health and environmental conditions. The CDC estimates that approximately 30 percent of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary.

The CDC encourages healthcare professionals to discuss with patients when antibiotics are appropriate and explore alternative measures for symptom relief and additional care if needed.

Preventive measures recommended by IDPH include maintaining good hygiene practices like regular hand-washing with soap or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol; covering coughs and sneezes; staying home when ill; and getting vaccinations such as flu shots and COVID vaccines.

Governor JB Pritzker has issued a proclamation for U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week and recorded a video urging Illinois residents to learn about antimicrobial resistance prevention steps they can take personally.