Kick off U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) with NACCHO as a partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today, Nov 18 through Nov 24!
Antibiotics can save lives and are critical tools for treating infections, including those that can lead to sepsis. However, any time antibiotics are used—in people, animals, or crops—they can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance (AR).
Help spread the word about the importance of improving antibiotic and prescribing to:
- Effectively treat infections
- Protect patients from side effects caused by unnecessary and inappropriate use, such as Clostridioides difficile (or C. diff)
- Combat AR, which can develop when antibiotics are used
AR continues to be a global public health threat during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare professionals and partners can improve antibiotic use as the pandemic continues and beyond by taking dedicated action. We all have a role to play to keep the public safe and combat antibiotic resistance.
This U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, we encourage you to check out these resources and see how you can help raise awareness by sharing the updated information with your networks!
- Download and share educational resources in CDC’s Be Antibiotics Aware Partner Toolkit, including educational materials for patients and families and healthcare professionals.
- View the latest CDC materials and resources on antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance
- Learn about more ways to participate in USAAW from the Get Involved webpage
- Share Improving Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing: A Toolkit for Healthcare Payers
- Read Antibiotic Prescribing and Stewardship During the COVID-19 Pandemic, a NEW Medscape Commentary
- Read the latest antibiotic use and stewardship report, Antibiotic Use in the United States, 2021 update: Progress and Opportunities
- Review the Reported Tuberculosis (TB) in the United States, 2020, which reflects a uniquely challenging year for public health and the TB community, including the latest data on drug-resistant TB
- Familiarize yourself with updated gonorrhea treatment, part of CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Treatment Guidelines, 2021, to guard against the threat of AR gonorrhea and ensure patients receive the most effective treatment
- FREE Updated STI provider resources can be downloaded or ordered
