Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging the general public to learn appropriate use of antibiotics and antifungals during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week. The annual observance is held November 18-24.
According to a news release, as part of this year’s observance, IDPH is recognizing nearly 90 Illinois hospitals who have taken extra measures to prevent antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria and other germs can develop a resistance to the drugs that were designed to fight them.
“Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight infections, but they can stop working if we don’t use them correctly,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, in a news release. “When we take antibiotics when they are not needed, germs can learn to fight back, making infections tougher to cure. This week, we’re celebrating nearly 90 Illinois hospitals for leading the way in using antibiotics wisely. When doctors, patients, and families all work together, we can keep these life-saving medicines working for everyone, now and in the future.”
In regard to the awareness effort, Governor JB Pritzker has issued a proclamation, as well as recorded a video to encourage Illinois residents to learn more about antimicrobial resistance, and the steps they can take to protect themselves. You can find links to both at IDPH’s US Antibiotic Awareness Week. You can get more information about antimicrobial resistance on the IDPH website under Antimicrobial Stewardship.
