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Washington State's campaign to fight antibiotic resistance

Overuse of antibiotics is creating stronger germs. Some bacteria are already "resistant" to common antibiotics. When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, it is often harder and more expensive to treat the infection. Losing the ability to treat serious bacterial infections is a major threat to public health. Washington State Department of Health is working to reverse this trend by promoting the careful and appropriate use of antibiotics.

Do you really need an antibiotic?
Antibiotics don't work on viral infections, like colds and flu. It may surprise you to know that they also don't work on most ear infections and bronchitis. This web page has information on what you can do to prevent and treat the symptoms of illnesses that cannot be cured with antibiotics. There is also information on a growing new problem of "staph" and skin infections, called MRSA, that are resistant to many antibiotics.

Download publications
Do You Really Need an Antibiotic? - brochure (English)
Do You Really Need an Antibiotic? - poster (dual English/Spanish)
Finish the Whole Bottle - prescription insert (English)
Living With MRSA - booklet (English, Spanish)
Rx for Your Symptoms - prescription pad (English)
What Can I Do to Fight a Cold, Cough or Sore Throat? - brochure (English)

Fact sheets about common infections
	Bronchitis (English, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese) View on screen in English View on screen in Spanish
	Ear Infections (English, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese) View on screen in English View on screen in Spanish
	Runny Nose (English, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese) View on screen in English View on screen in Spanish
	Sinus Infections (English, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese) View on screen in English View on screen in Spanish
	Skin Infections (English, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese) View on screen in English View on screen in Spanish
	Sore Throat (English, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese) View on screen in English View on screen in Spanish
	Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health.

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Washington State Department of Health
Antibiotic Resistance Education Campaign
Office of Health Promotion
PO Box 47833
Olympia, Washington, 98504-7833
360-236-3736

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Last Update : 04/14/2008 01:43 PM