Health PEI warning about the overuse of antibiotics

It's Antibiotic Awareness Week, something Health PEI is taking very seriously.

They have an awareness campaign underway to try to reduce the overuse and over-prescribing of antibiotics.

Most colds, sore throats and the flu are caused by viruses, which can't be treated with antibiotics.

They want the public, pharmacists and even doctors to learn when to use them, and why it's dangerous to use them too often.

"Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics," said Jennifer Boswell, a pharmacist with Health PEI. "That's usually with overuse of antibiotics."

That can lead to something even worse, according to Dr. Greg German, a medical microbiologist with Health PEI.

"When bacteria learn, they can learn how to get by those antibiotics and become more resistant," he said.

"In the worse form they can create super bugs which are causing tremendous troubles."

Superbugs a problem on P.E.I.

There were 137 cases of superbugs such as C.difficile on P.E.I. last year.

"People are dying of antibiotic-resistant infections because the antibiotics don't work any more," said Boswell.

"There aren't a ton of antibiotics being developed right now so we really have to preserve the ones that we have."

It doesn't mean people who are sick have to go without treatment, said Dr. German.

"If you have a virus, we have a plan for you," he said. "And we will be reaching out to the clinics on that virus plan that if they have what has been diagnosed as a cold or sore throat or an ear infection that is a virus, then we are going to give them information on how to get sleep, what medications and what dosages to take for the Tylenol or ibuprofen."

"As well, what to do if your child or yourself aren't doing well. And that is part of a major effort that will be in each of the Island clinics."

There are still times when antibiotics are the best medicine, and if that's the case, Health PEI has more important advice.

They say to follow the instructions, and finish taking all of the antibiotics you're given, even if you start feeling better.

Don't save any medicine for later and don't share medication.