Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem and the main cause of this problem is misuse of antibiotics. CDC’s Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work program works to make sure antibiotics are prescribed only when they are needed and used as they should. The Get Smart program focuses on common illnesses that account for most of the antibiotic prescriptions written for children and adults in doctors’ offices and other outpatient settings.
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About Antibiotic Use and Resistance
Antibiotics have transformed our ability to treat infections, but they do not work as well as they once did against some infections... -
For Patients
Information on when common illnesses need antibiotics and ways to lessen your symptoms if antibiotics are not needed... -
For Healthcare Professionals
Outpatient and inpatient healthcare providers, as well as community pharmacists, all play a role in fighting antibiotic resistance... -
Improving Prescribing
Evidence-based ways to increase appropriate antibiotic prescribing in outpatient settings...
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Programs and Measurement
A look at state, national, and international efforts to track antibiotic-resistant infections and implement interventions to curb this growing threat... -
Partners
CDC’s Get Smart program works with a wide-range of partners to raise awareness about the threat of antibiotic resistance... -
Get Smart About Antibiotics Week
An annual observance to raise awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use... -
Materials and References
Use these materials (fact sheets, posters) and other tools (podcasts, social media messages, graphics) to spread the word about using antibiotics wisely...
If You Have a Cold or Flu, Antibiotics Won't Work for You
Read this chart to know which common illnesses are usually viral or bacterial and when antibiotics are necessary.
- Page last reviewed: April 17, 2015
- Page last updated: April 17, 2015
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