Antibiotics save millions of lives. But when overused, they may lead to “superbugs” – strains of bacteria that have evolved to resist the drugs designed to kill them. That’s the message Taseen Desin, UCF College of Medicine microbiologist and professor, shares as U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) begins on Nov. 18.

He and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are urging patients to learn more about antibiotic resistance and ways to avoid it.

We all want instant relief when we’re sick, so many expect healthcare providers to automatically prescribe antibiotics for any ailment, including an ear infection, cold or the flu. That’s a common misconception. In fact, antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections like strep throat. They do nothing to treat viruses.

Misuse of antibiotics – in humans and in fighting bacteria in plants and animals – is causing worldwide antimicrobial resistance. These resistant germs infect 2.8 million people a year in the United States, causing nearly 35,000 deaths, according to the CDC. Worldwide such infections cause over 1.27 million deaths. These infections can spread rapidly, including in hospitals and other care facilities.

For example, the CDC reports a 20% increase in antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA or staph, is one of the most dangerous “superbugs.” Staph is very common – one-third of us have it on our skin or in our nose. It usually does not cause illness. MRSA, however, is a staph infection that has become resistant to multiple antibiotics. You can get it in cuts or scrapes and from skin-to-skin contact from contact sports or other crowded areas. The risk of MRSA is also higher for people in hospitals or nursing homes. Left untreated, it can cause sepsis or death.

The CDC’s theme for this year’s week is “Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance Takes All of Us.” Desin says as patients we can all do our part. Here are his recommendations for preventing antibiotic-resistant bacteria:

• Wash your hands properly and frequently.
• Get vaccinated for the flu, COVID-19 and other infections. Prevention is key.
• Fully complete any course of medication that your doctor prescribes. Don’t stop taking an antibiotic because you’re feeling better. And don’t take someone else’s antibiotic prescription for your health situation.
• Increase your awareness about antibiotic-resistant bacteria and which pathogens are of the greatest risk.