Get Smart About Antibiotics Campaign

Oklahoma participates in a national educational campaign to promote appropriate antibiotic use in the community. The campaign, “Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work” teaches patients and the general public that antibiotics are precious resources that must be used correctly to preserve their usefulness. Specifically it focuses on clarifying that viruses cause most respiratory infections, and that antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.  Information about over-the-counter symptom relief for respiratory infections is included in the educational materials.  The goal of this campaign is that patients become comfortable asking their doctors for the best care for their illnesses, rather than asking for antibiotics.  Below are links to resources about appropriate antibiotic use.

Resources:
Get Smart Website from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Get Smart for Healthcare (CDC)

Antibiotic Safety from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Inc. (APIC) 

Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA)

Professional Resources:
American College of Physicians–American Society of Internal Medicine:  Position Papers on Antibiotic Prescribing for Respiratory Tract Infections in Adults

American Academy of Pediatrics:  Principles of Judicious Use of Antimicrobial Agents

Get Smart:  Know When Antibiotics Work - resources for healthcare professionals (CDC)