Infections caused by resistant bacteria have become more common, and many bacteria have become resistant to multiple antibiotics. This trend demands urgent action by patients, healthcare providers, facility administrators and health care insurers to preserve the last lines of defense against many of these germs. In conjunction with Get Smart About Antibiotics Week (November 12-18), CDC and partners, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, will release new data on Americans’ knowledge of antibiotic resistance and appropriate antibiotic use, and a policy statement highlighting strategies to conserve and replenish our antibiotic resources.
"Pediatricians see many upper respiratory infections and sore throats in our offices each year, most of which are caused by viruses and don’t require antibiotic treatment. AAP supports efforts to use antibiotics judiciously to preserve treatment options. We encourage pediatricians to talk to parents about appropriate treatment options," said AAP President Thomas McInerny, MD, FAAP.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org.
