Do you really need an antibiotic for a cold or the flu? What happens when you take unnecessary antibiotics?
In Hampton Roads, bacterial resistance is 50% higher than national rates. Overuse of antibiotics is the main reason for this rising rate of drug resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria that cause infection are not killed by the antibiotics taken to stop the infection. The bacteria survive and continue to multiply causing more harm. Widespread use of antibiotics promotes the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Learn More:
Frequently Asked Questions Bacterial or Viral Infection? Find out which common illnesses are treated with antibiotics
Facts About Antibiotic Resistance