Antibiotics are wonderful drugs for treating infections and saving lives. However, when antibiotics are not used appropriately, unwanted effects, such as increased drug resistance, can occur.
Last month, the UW Health Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Team, led by Dr. Sheryl Henderson, participated in the 2019 World Antibiotic Awareness Week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promotes the United States program to increase awareness of appropriate antibiotic use to combat antibiotic drug resistance and adverse effects.
Throughout the week, the team visited hospital units and clinics to discuss ways that everyone, including patients and their families, can be involved in optimizing antibiotic use at the hospital and clinics.