IDPH promotes smart use of medication ahead of US Antibiotic Awareness Week

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will observe national Antibiotic Awareness Week starting this upcoming Monday.

The annual U.S. event, lasting from Nov. 18-24, is intended to increase public knowledge about the importance of careful use of antibiotics in order to prevent antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria and other germs develop an immunity to the drugs that are designed to fight them.

"Antibiotics are powerful, life-saving medications used to treat serious bacterial infections," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "However, overuse or misuse of these medications can cause them to no longer work, contributing to antimicrobial resistance."

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Vohra also said that antibiotics do not treat viruses, such as those that cause colds, the flu, RSV, or COVID-19. Use of antibiotics when not medically recommended can increase the chance of antimicrobial resistance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year, over 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur across the county. As a result, this leads to the death of more than 35,000 people annually.

Fighting against antimicrobial resistance is a year-round focus for the IDPH, which works to educate providers and the public on the best practices for the use of antibiotics. In 2024, the department sponsored a milestone 10th annual conference on the subject, bringing experts from around the state and nation together this past July in Lisle.

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At the conference, IDPH hosted sessions on how to promote antimicrobial stewardship in health care facilities and combatting health inequities that could leave some people more vulnerable to drug-resistant illness. Almost 300 people attended this year's event, with most expressing they would recommend that their colleagues attend future summits as well.

To learn more about IDPH's antimicrobial stewardship efforts, visit their Antimicrobial Stewardship page.

The theme of this year's observance week is "Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us," a message aimed at health care professionals and the general public. The message focuses on a "One Health" approach to fight antimicrobial resistance, which recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals, plants and the rest of their shared environment.

The general goal is to get everyone working together to improve the global prescribing and use of antimicrobials such as antibiotic and antifungal drugs. The CDC estimates that as many as 30% of prescriptions for antibiotics are not medically necessary, representing approximately 47 million prescriptions.

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The CDC encourages practitioners to talk with patients about when antibiotics are and are not appropriate. They also encourage them to talk about what other steps they can take to feel better and when to seek additional care. The CDC has put together an easy reference chart to further explain when antibiotics should and shouldn't be used.

On top of working with providers on best practices, IDPH also reminds the general public of the important role they can play in preventing antimicrobial resistance. Good hygiene can reduce infections and lower the risk of drug resistance.

Preventive measures that are recommended include regular handwashing with soap and water (or using a hand sanitizer that's at least 60% alcohol), covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick and getting recommended vaccines, including flu and COVID shots.

"Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health concern leading to drug-resistant illnesses that have fewer effective therapies," Vohra said. "Antibiotic Awareness Week is a good reminder for Illinois residents to use antibiotics only when necessary and carefully follow your provider and pharmacist's instructions in their use."