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Oregon Health Authority

Antibiotic Awareness Week

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week - November 18-24

During U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, we remind all Oregonians to use antibiotics as prescribed and to remember that antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections, such as the common cold or flu.

This campaign has three main goals to help combat rising antibiotic resistance:

  1. Encourage healthcare providers to follow proper prescribing guidelines.
  2. Reduce the demand for antibiotics for viral infections, particularly among healthy adults and parents of young children.
  3. Increase the likelihood that people will complete their prescribed antibiotics for upper respiratory infections.

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What is U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week?

U.S Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual one-week observance held in November to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use. It is a key component of CDC’s efforts to improve antibiotic stewardship in communities, in healthcare facilities, and on the farm in collaboration with state-based programs, nonprofit partners, and for-profit partners. The one-week observance raises awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use.

  • In the United States, more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year. More than 35,000 people die as a result, according to CDCs 2019 Antibiotic Resistance (AR) Threats Report.

  • On September 18, 2014, the White House announced an Executive Order stating that the Federal Government will work domestically and internationally to detect, prevent, and control illness and death related to antibiotic-resistant infections by implementing measures that reduce the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and help ensure the continued availability of effective therapeutics for the treatment of bacterial infections.
  • The use of antibiotics is the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world. Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used in human medicine. At least 28% of antibiotics prescribed in outpatient settings are not needed. 

Get Involved

For more ways to get involved with U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, contact us at oregon.aware@dhsoha.state.or.us.

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