antibiotic when it is clearly not needed.  Common colds which are viral infections, not bacterial and not susceptible to antibiotics, are a leading cause of unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.
  • When getting an antibiotic prescription it is important to take the entire number of doses as directed or until the doctor determines that a switch in treatment becomes necessary.
  • Lastly, do not share your prescription with someone else (this is true for all drugs, but especially so for the antibiotics) or save some for the next time.
  • A cooperative effort between the medical community and patients to reduce the overuse and abuse of antibiotics to try to stem the advance of resistant bacteria