Antibiotics aren’t always the answer.
Antibiotics are a powerful tool. Used properly, they can cure life-threatening infections. But overusing antibiotics has caused some bacteria to develop resistance. As much as 50% of prescribed antibiotics are unnecessary or ineffective as prescribed.
Losing antibiotic effectiveness seriously limits our ability to fight disease. We need your help. Use these resources to learn about and promote judicious antibiotic use.
Appropriate antibiotic use
- Adult-appropriate antibiotic use.
- Child-appropriate antibiotic use.
- Antibiotic Prescribing and Use | CDC
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteria
- Washington Department of Health CRE page.
- CRE testing and response.
- CRE/CRO Reporting and Surveillance.
- Multidrug-Resistant Organism (MDRO) Dashboard.
- What to do if you identify a targeted multi-drug resistant organism case in your hospital or nursing home.
- Multi-Drug Resistant Organism Quick Reference Guide and Job Aid.
Patient resources
- Virus or bacteria—what’s got you sick?—CDC graphic for patients.
- Antibiotic Awareness Videos—Washington Department of Health.
- Washington Department of Health Antibiotic Resistance page.