Free antibiotic resistance awareness materials available

January 2012

What do sinusitis, most sore throats, bronchitis, runny noses and the regular cold have in common? They are upper respiratory tract infections usually caused by viruses that can’t be cured with antibiotics. During this year’s cold and flu season, the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation (MSVF) offers health care providers free handouts and giveaways on http://foundation.msv.org/wewash to assist in educating patients about antibiotic resistance. Since 2003, MSVF, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, has distributed more than 675,000 tools and educational materials to physicians, pharmacists, parents, nursing homes and child care centers.

Help promote the message that antibiotics need to be used appropriately and judiciously. Encourage patients to wash their hands frequently, get the flu vaccine and avoid close contact with people who are sick.