VANCOUVER -- They've prolonged our lives by about 15 to 20 years. But, our children may not have the same advantages from antibiotics because of growing resistance. That's why BC is launching a province-wide campaign to teach children, parents and health-care professionals about the proper use of these drugs
Grade 2 students are learning about germs - bacteria and viruses and the differences between them.. The lesson is part of a new campaign aimed at reducing the overuse of antibiotics. In the last 20 years, resistant strains of bacteria are on the rise in hospitals and the community, largely because people are demanding antibiotics when they don't really need them.
Dr. Perry Kendall says, "More often, antibiotics are prescribed for the wrong illnesses, the more chances the bacteria have to become resistant."
This makes it harder to treat patients, because common antibiotics don't work against these resistant strains.
Dr. Kendall also comments, "this means people with infections are sick for longer and the bacterial diseases may spread even wider."
Part of the Do Bugs Need Drugs campaign targets this problem, it also highlights the importance of handwashing to stop the spread of infection.
Dr. Edith Blondel-Hill of BC Children's Hospital says, "The number one message is handwashing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection. 80% of the infections we acquire in the community are because we do not wash our hands."
THIS CAMPAIGN GREW OUT OF A PILOT PROJECT IN ALBERTA, OVER SIX MONTHS THEY WERE ABLE TO REDUCE ANTIBIOTIC USAGE BY 12 PERCENT.
Friday January 13, 2006
