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Washington State's campaign to fight antibiotic resistance

The overuse of antibiotics is creating stronger germs that are harder and more expensive to treat. These germs are "resistant" to common antibiotics. Losing the ability to treat serious bacterial infections is a major threat to public health. The Washington State Department of Health is working to reverse this trend by promoting the careful and appropriate use of antibiotics.

Do you really need an antibiotic?
Antibiotics are not needed to treat viral infections like the common cold and the flu. It may surprise you to know that they also do not work on most ear infections and bronchitis. This web site has information on what you can do to prevent and treat the symptoms of illnesses that cannot be cured with antibiotics. There is also information on the growing problem of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections such as MRSA.

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Washington State Department of Health
Office of Health Promotion
PO Box 47833
Olympia, Washington, 98504-7833
360-236-3736

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Last Update : 09/24/2009 12:10 PM