Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon Health Authority

Oregon Alliance Working for Antibiotic Resistance Education

Be AWARE

Antibiotics are important and really help when we need them

Most infections are caused by two main kinds of germs: bacteria and viruses.

  • Antibiotics cure infections caused by bacteria; but they have no effect against infections caused by viruses, like a cold or the flu.
  • Taking antibiotics for a cold or the flu is unnecessary and expensive.

Información en Español


Taking antibiotics when not needed can be harmful

It can also cause a serious problem – antibiotic resistance – which means these drugs are less effective when they are really needed.

We all have a role to play in preventing this. Patients, healthcare providers, hospital administrators, industry, policy makers and the general public can work together to promote appropriate antibiotic use – ultimately saving lives.

AWARE is the Oregon Alliance Working for Antibiotic Resistance Education.


Learn what you can do to reduce antibiotic resistance