healthcare-associated infections (hai) program

Using Antibiotics Safely:
Help for Patients and Families

Doctor talking to patient

Here are facts and trusted links to help you learn when antibiotics are needed, how to use them safely, and why preventing antibiotic resistance is important for your health.

Where Can I Learn About Antibiotics?

Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Resistance Facts:
Answers to common questions about antibiotics, such as why it’s important to use antibiotics safely and why antibiotics do not work against viruses
CDC Flyer: You’ve Been Prescribed an Antibiotic in the Hospital for an Infection (PDF): Important things to know about your antibiotic treatment
CDC Brochure: Be Antibiotics Aware (PDF)

What are the Differences Between Bacteria and Viruses?

CDPH Flyer: Virus or Bacteria When are Antibiotics Needed? (PDF)
CDC Flyer: Virus or Bacteria What's Got You Sick? Common Infections in the Nursing Home (PDF)

Do I Need Antibiotics and What Are the Side Effects?

CDPH Antibiotics Aren't Always the Answer flyer

CDPH Flyer: Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Answer (PDF)
CDC Flyer: Are Antibiotics Needed for My Child’s Runny Nose? Q&A Guide for Parents (PDF)
CDC Brochure: Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Answer (PDF)
CDC Brochure: Antibiotic Use for a Safe Dental Visit (PDF)
CDC Brochure: Do You Need Antibiotics? Nursing Home Residents and Their Families (PDF)

What is Antibiotic Resistance and How Does it Spread? 

CDC How Antibiotic Resistance Happens Flyer

CDC Flyer: How Antibiotic Resistance Happens (PDF)
CDC Flyer: Improving Antibiotic Use (PDF)
Antimicrobial Resistance: Learn more about resistance and how it spreads.
Antimicrobial Resistance, Food, and Food Animals: Learn more about how resistance is connected to our food.

When Should I Be Tested for a Urinary Tract Infection?

Unnecessary urine testing often leads to unnecessary antibiotics, putting patients at risk of side effects.
Cleveland Clinic Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: Learn the difference between having bacteria in your urine without symptoms and having a urinary tract infection (UTI). Treatment of bacteria in the urine without symptoms is usually not needed unless you are pregnant or have certain other risk factors.
CDC Urinary Tract Infection Basics: Learn the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of a UTI, and when to see your healthcare provider.

How Can I Avoid Antibiotic Resistance and Stay Healthy?

CDC Flyer: Preventing and Treating Ear Infections (PDF)
CDC Flyer: Preventing and Treating Bronchitis (PDF)
CDC Patient Resources and Education: Flyers and handouts to help people learn more about antibiotics. Many are also available in Spanish.
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW): USAAW happens each year from November 18th through 24th. This week reminds us to use antibiotics safely and warns us about the dangers of antibiotic resistance for people, animals, plants, and the environment.