Preserving antibiotics now and into the future
Chief Public Health Officer of Canada's Spotlight Report 2019
Dr. Theresa Tam shines a spotlight on the importance of using antibiotics responsibly in human medicine. Discover how unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to antibiotic resistance, why unnecessary use sometimes happens, and what we can do about it
A message from Canada's Chief Public Health Officer
Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can contribute to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This means that harmful bacteria are becoming more resistant to antibiotics, limiting our available treatment options.
Spotlight issues
About antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic popularity and the emergence of resistance
Why we use antibiotics unnecessarily
Social and cultural influencers in the decision whether to prescribe or use an antibiotic
Antibiotic use in Canadian communities
Who's prescribing antibiotics in your community and the widespread trend of the practice
What patients can do
Patients can help prevent the problem of antibiotic resistance by:
- keeping vaccinations up to date
- protecting yourself from infection
- speaking with a healthcare provider before using antibiotics
Learn more about what you can do to help fight antibiotic resistance
What healthcare providers can do
Help reduce the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics by:
- talking with patients about antibiotics
- staying up to date on prescription guidelines and best practices
- leveraging available tools that promote appropriate antibiotic use
What health system leaders can do
Health system leaders can work together to address antibiotic use by:
- sharing knowledge on appropriate use
- promoting best antibiotic prescribing practices
- investing in research and surveillance to better understand use and resistance patterns
Learn more about solutions to antibiotic resistance