An increase in antibiotic-resistant infections, particularly with children, has been reported throughout the country and the culprit seems to be an overuse of antibiotics. These infections are caused by superbugs, or strains of bacteria that have become resistant to most antibiotics.1 When children—and adults—get sick, it can be quite difficult to determine what illness they’ve contracted.
As a result, physicians will likely prescribe an antibiotic when it may not be necessary. However, this goes against the CDC’s protocol of taking antibiotics only if you absolutely need to. It is also important to note that antibiotics do not work against viruses, and should only be used to treat infections caused by bacteria, such as strep throat, ear, and sinus infections.2
The CDC has also stated that seasonal influenza activity remains lower than usual for this time of year. This may be due in part to the safety measures taken to prevent COVID-19, such as social distancing and wearing masks. However, low influenza cases do not mean we should start easing restrictions. With the pandemic, flu season, and winter conditions all currently aligned, staying safe is more critical now than ever before.
In this blog post, we’ll go over the common symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold, as well as how to keep yourself healthy, and how to keep your environment safe and clean. Read more “Protect Yourself and Your Facility Against Common Infectious Diseases During the Winter Months”