U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week 2022 Focuses on Prevention
Posted On: November 2022
- Every year, CDC honors U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week to raise awareness and share information on the importance of improving antibiotic and antifungal use.
- Antibiotics and antifungals save lives, but any time they are used, they can cause side effects and can contribute to the development of resistance.
- Prevention puts a “pause” on antimicrobial resistance (AR), and we all have a role in combating AR.
Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is a global public health threat, causing more than 2.8 million infections and more than 35,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone. Each year, CDC honors U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) to raise awareness and share information on the importance of improving antibiotic and antifungal use. Antibiotics and antifungals are valuable tools for treating infections, but any use—for people, animals, or plants—can contribute to resistance.
This USAAW (and World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, or WAAW), CDC is highlighting the importance of prevention actions and steps everyone can take to help combat AR—and you can help! Download CDC’s USAAW 2022 Partner Toolkit [PDF – 8 Pages] for ways you can participate in the week and messages to spread the word.
Antibiotics and antifungals are one of our most powerful tools for fighting life-threatening infections. Their discovery has transformed human and animal health. Unfortunately, we now live in an era when people are dying from antimicrobial-resistant infections. (Learn how resistance happens.) Resistant infections can lead to increased medical costs, extended hospital stays, and preventable deaths.
A CDC report released in July 2022 highlighted data showing the U.S. has lost progress combating antimicrobial resistance due, in large part, to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic stretched healthcare facilities, health departments, and communities to near breaking points—resulting in more resistant infections, increased antibiotic and antifungal use, and less data and prevention actions.
Prevention Puts a Pause on Antimicrobial Resistance; Play Your Part
Take steps to protect yourself and your family by reducing your risk of infection:
- Keep your hands clean and practice good hygiene
- Stay up to date on recommended vaccines
- Improve how you use antibiotics and antifungals for people, animals, plants
- Practice safer sex
- Prepare food safely
These steps can help reduce your risk, stop the spread of germs, and preserve the power of antibiotics and antifungals. Find more details in the USAAW Partner Toolkit [PDF – 8 Pages], plus how you can participate in USAAW 2022 and help spread the word.