Respiratory virus season is underway in Wisconsin, and it's common this time of year for people to seek antibiotics when sick. When used correctly, antibiotics can help you feel better and save lives. However, when taken unnecessarily, they can cause harmful side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. To recognize and raise awareness of safe antibiotic use, Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed this week, November 18-24, as Wisconsin Antibiotic Awareness Week, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is calling attention to the dos and don'ts of taking antibiotics.

"When you are sick, it's tempting to want to try anything to feel better," says State Health Officer and Division of Public Health Administrator Paula Tran. "But it's essential to know that antibiotics do not treat the viral illnesses common this time of year, such as cold, flu, or COVID-19, and taking them can potentially cause side effects."

Antibiotics are only effective for treating certain infections caused by bacteria and when taken correctly, can prevent and treat serious infections and save lives. However, antibiotics don't treat infections caused by viruses (viral infections). Common viral infections and symptoms that aren't helped by using antibiotics include:

• Cold or runny nose
• Flu (influenza)
• Bronchitis
• Most coughs
• Most sore throats
• Some ear infections
• Some sinus infections
• Stomach flu
• COVID-19

According to the most recent report on Wisconsin outpatient antibiotic prescribing, in 2021 nearly 33,000 prescriptions were written for patients with symptoms associated with viral illness (such as cough, bronchitis, and upper respiratory symptoms), so there is room for improvement in antibiotic prescribing practices in Wisconsin.

"The over prescription and overuse of antibiotics can lead to germs becoming resistant to the drugs designed to kill them. That is known as antibiotic resistance," said Dr. Lindsay Taylor, DHS Healthcare-Associated Infections Prevention (HAI) Program Antimicrobial Stewardship Coordinator. "Antibiotic-resistant infections are harder to treat which can lead to longer illnesses, higher medical costs, and more deaths. Using antibiotics safely ensures they remain effective and available for future generations."

DHS supports the efforts of health care providers in eliminating unnecessary antibiotic prescribing through provider education and engaging with workgroups that connect health care providers from around the state. DHS also works in health care facilities around the state to review their organization's antibiotic use and prescribing trends. These efforts aim to reinforce proper antibiotic prescribing practices among health care providers.

Additionally, there are steps Wisconsinites can take to help prevent spreading antibiotic resistance and preserve the life-saving power of antibiotics:

• Use antibiotics only when needed. Antibiotics only work against bacteria, not viruses.
• Take antibiotics exactly as directed. Complete the entire course of the antibiotic, even if symptoms disappear.
• Do not take someone else's antibiotics. The antibiotic may not work and may interfere with the correct treatment.
• Do not ask for an antibiotic when a doctor has determined it is not necessary.
• Ask a doctor about penicillin allergy. Some people report being allergic to penicillin, but common reactions to penicillin are often mistaken for an allergy.
• Dispose of antibiotics correctly. Safely dispose of unused antibiotics in a drug drop box.

Find more information about safe antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance on the DHS website. You can also find information about respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV, on the DHS website.