June 14, 2010
The Question
Each year, there is a spike in antibiotic prescribing during flu season, even when patients do not have bacterial infections. How can unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions be reduced and antibiotic resistance be controlled?
What we found
By boosting rates of flu vaccinations and educating the public about the dangers of inappropriate antibiotic use, the U.S. could reduce the number of unnecessary prescriptions during flu season.
Why it matters
Overprescribing antibiotics leads to increased resistance. Curbing unnecessary use of antibiotics during flu season will help preserve these life-saving drugs.
