U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week: How We Can All Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
By Dr. Antonella Fine, FIDSA, Physician Director of Hospital Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship, Infectious Disease Specialist and Ethan Brenneman, PharmD, Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist
Each November, U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week brings focus to the vital task of fighting antimicrobial resistance, a global health threat that claims over a million lives annually. This year’s theme, “Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us,” reflects the need for a united, collaborative approach, sometimes referred to as a One Health approach, that acknowledges the interconnected health of people, animals, plants, and our environment.
Understanding the Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance
Antibiotic resistance contributes to over 2.8 million infections in the U.S. each year, with more than 35,000 resulting in death. This threat is growing, in part, due to the widespread use of antibiotics and antifungals, not only in human medicine but also in animal care and agriculture. Resistance can complicate treatments, increase healthcare costs, and threaten future medical advancements.
How Individuals Can Help
Protecting yourself and your community from antimicrobial resistance involves everyday actions:
• Hand Hygiene: Proper handwashing and recommended isolation protocols help prevent infections.
• Vaccines: Stay current with vaccinations to protect against both standard and resistant infections.
• Use Antibiotics Wisely: Work with your healthcare provider to ensure antibiotics are necessary before use. Antibiotics can save lives, but misuse leads to resistance and potential side effects.
How Healthcare Providers Make a Difference
With unnecessary prescriptions contributing to resistance, providers have a crucial role. Sturdy Health’s guidelines recommend:
• Judicious Prescribing: Avoid antibiotics for viral infections like colds or the flu.
• Using Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics: This approach minimizes resistance risk.
• Following Sturdy Health’s Guidelines: With support resources on Cerner, providers can follow precise antibiotic protocols for optimal patient care.
Sturdy Health’s Commitment
Sturdy Health’s antimicrobial stewardship team, led by Dr. Antonella Fine and Ethan Brenneman, is dedicated to promoting responsible antibiotic use. By conducting daily reviews, establishing treatment guidelines, and reporting usage data to the CDC, we aim to contribute to a healthier future with fewer resistant infections.
For more information on antibiotic resistance, visit the CDC at cdc.gov/antimicrobial-resistance. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
