Prairie State Wire

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

"Antibiotics are powerful, life-saving medications used to treat serious bacterial infections," stated 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 highlighted that antibiotics do not cure viruses such as those causing colds, flu, RSV, or COVID-19. Using antibiotics without medical recommendation can lead to increased antimicrobial resistance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur annually in the United States, resulting in more than 35,000 deaths.

The IDPH focuses year-round on combating antimicrobial resistance by educating providers and the public about best practices for antibiotic use. This year marked the tenth annual conference on this topic sponsored by IDPH in Lisle, Illinois. The event gathered experts statewide and nationally for discussions on promoting antimicrobial stewardship in healthcare facilities and addressing health inequities related to drug-resistant illnesses.

This year's theme is "Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us," targeting both healthcare professionals and the general public with a "One Health" approach that connects human health with animal, plant, and environmental health. The CDC estimates that up to 30 percent of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary.

The CDC advises practitioners to discuss with patients when antibiotics are appropriate and explore alternative ways for patients to feel better while determining when additional care is needed.

IDPH also emphasizes the role of individuals in preventing antimicrobial resistance through good hygiene practices like regular hand-washing with soap or using hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol; covering coughs and sneezes; staying home when ill; and getting recommended vaccines including flu and COVID shots.

Governor JB Pritzker issued a proclamation supporting U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week alongside a video message encouraging residents of Illinois to learn about antimicrobial resistance prevention steps they can take personally.