What can people do to help fight antibiotic resistance?

As the adage says, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I think that one of the easiest things we can do to fight antibiotic resistance is to practice effective infection prevention. Washing your hands is such a simple intervention that can have a big impact.

- Jeremy Tigh, PharmD, BCIDP, Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist, Samaritan Health Services

Vaccines are a win-win-win—they prevent bacterial infections that may require antibiotics, reduce the likelihood of viral infections for which antibiotics could be inappropriately prescribed, and help slow the spread of illness in the community.

- Liz Breitenstein, PharmD, Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist at Oregon Health Authority

Three biggest items - wash your hands, take antibiotics medications as prescribed, and healthcare professionals need to educate patients on the difference between viral and bacterial infections during care visits.

- Danielle Britt, PharmD, MA, Infectious Diseases Pharmacist, Salem Health Hospital

Educate themselves about antibiotics used in agriculture.  Antibiotics are used just to treat infections in agriculture but also to promote animal growth.  But these antibiotics still promote the growth of antibiotic resistance in bacteria that can ultimately cause infections in humans. Consumer demand can impact and shape the practices of farming and agriculture practices.

- Jessina C McGregor, PhD, Professor, Oregon State University College of Pharmacy