Mississippi State Department of Health
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Antibiotic Prescribing and Use

Antibiotics aren't always the answer. Unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics create new, drug-resistant strains of common diseases.

What You Can Do

When are antibiotics needed?

Colds, flu, sore throats and coughs are usually caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a doctor to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics won't help you recover from a viral infection.

Antibiotic Stewardship

Antibiotic stewardship is the effort to measure and improve how antibiotics are prescribed by clinicians and used by patients. Improving antibiotic prescribing and use is critical to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harms caused by unnecessary antibiotic use, and combat antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotic Awareness Week

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) is a collaboration of the CDC, state-based programs, nonprofit partners, and for-profit partners. You can join official USAAW events or host your own. There are many ways to get involved!

More information




Links referenced on this page
Questions and answers about antibiotic resistance    https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/data-research/facts-stats/
More about how bacteria become resistant    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,23756,228,html ok
How to treat common conditions with and without antibiotics    https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/hcp/clinical-care/
More about Antibiotic Stewardship    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/14,0,398,726,html ok
More about U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week    https://www.cdc.gov/antimicrobial-resistance/communication-resources/usaaw.html
Antibiotic Use    https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/
Antibiotic Do’s & Don’ts    https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about/
For Healthcare Professionals: Outpatient Antibiotic Stewardship    https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/hcp/core-elements/outpatient-antibiotic-stewardship.html

Find this page at https://msdh.ms.gov/page/42,1648,228.html

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