(CBS) – With anti-biotic resistant infections on the rise, the CDC and 25 other health organizations are teaming up to try to get the problem under control.
Health officials say antibiotic overuse is a public health threat in the US. Now the Centers for Disease Control and more than two dozen other health organizations are issuing new policies to fight antibiotic resistance.
” We are seeing an increase in resistance among common infections so we’re seeing an increase in hospitalizations that are due to antibiotic resistant infections,” said Lauri Hicks, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, but a new poll shows more than a third of Americans mistakenly think antibiotics also help fight viruses.
Health groups also want to limit antibiotics in meat and poultry and use them only when necessary for the animal’s health.
Experts say patients should do their part too. If you’re prescribed an antibiotic, take the right dose, complete the course, and do not save leftovers for later. They also suggest asking a doctor if you really need one.
Children have the highest rates of antibiotic use so resistance in children is a big concern.
