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CDC: Antibiotics aren't always the solution

Infection Control Monitor, January 14, 2005

With someone sniffling, sneezing or coughing pretty much wherever one turns, it couldn't be more obvious that the nation is deep in the thick of cold and flu season. This time of year invariably has sick people appealing to their doctors for something, anything to make them feel better-and that often leads to a request for antibiotics.

That's why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is choosing this month to remind heatlthcare organizations about its public information campaign, "Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work."

The campaign, which includes print and radio public service announcements, is disseminating new guidelines established by ambulatory care professionals, members of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

According to information on the CDC's Web site, a key element of "Get Smart," is to remind Americans that antibiotics are intended to treat bacterial infections, and are ineffective against viruses such as the flu or the common cold. Yet, the CDC estimates that tens of millions of antibiotics are prescribed in doctors' offices each year for viral infections.

Doctors cite diagnostic uncertainty, time pressure on physicians, and patient demand as the primary reasons why they over-prescribe antibiotics. The CDC hopes that the "Get Smart" campaign will encourage doctors to crack down on incorrect prescriptions of antibiotics.

In 2005, the CDC is also planning to expand the range of the campaign, which was begun more than a year ago, by targeting the Latino and Native American population.

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