King's Daughters' Health

Fending off illnesses this winter isn't just about luck. King's Daughters' Health is fighting the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. It's No Flu-ke THERE'S A REASON people are more likely to get sick during winter than at other times of year: We spend more time indoors, where germs easily pass from one person to another. Fortunately, you don't have to sit around with your fingers crossed and hope germs don't find you. Marsha Chapman, APN, Infection Prevention Practitioner at King's Daughters' Health, offers the following advice for how to stay healthy this season: GET THE SHOT. The flu vaccine should be the first and most important step in protecting yourself and your family against flu viruses, which are extremely contagious and potentially deadly. Even though flu season is already underway, it's not too late to get a vaccine. WASH GERMS AWAY. Wash your hands frequently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends scrubbing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before rinsing them off. START DREAMING. A good night's rest keeps your immune system strong. Make an effort to get seven to eight hours of good-quality sleep each night. STAY HOME. If you feel as though you may be getting sick, take the day off – to both rest and spare others from your germs. If you get the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone to avoid spreading the virus. ■ Looking for a doctor who can help you stay healthy this winter? Find one at www.kdhmadison.org, or call our Patient Access Line at (812) 801-8995. ANTIBIOTICS ARE POWERFUL tools against bacteria, but only if used correctly. If a patient stops taking an antibiotic before all of the medication is gone, for example, the bacteria can evolve in such a way that the drug becomes ineffective. In November 2016, KDH established an antibiotic stewardship program. A team that includes an infectious disease specialist, a pharmacist, staff physicians, nurses and other professionals educates patients about safe antibiotic practices and ensures providers adhere to evidence-based treatment guidelines. "For example, if guidelines indicate an infection is typically treatable with an antibiotic in five days, we don't want patients to stay on the medication longer than that unless other complications are present," says Carrie James, PharmD, Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator at KDH. "We are also as specific as possible with the antibiotics we prescribe so patients receive medication that targets the bacteria they have rather than a wide range." How You Can Help To do your part to prevent antibiotic resistance, don't expect an antibiotic for an infection caused by a virus, such as a cold or flu, Carrie advises. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Also, take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. If we work together, we can help ensure current antibiotics remain effective for future generations. ■ Learn more about proper antibiotic use in our new, comprehensive Health Library. Visit www.kdhmadison.org, select "Health resources" and then "Health library." A-in for Antibiotic Safety Vital Signs a publication of King's Daughters' Health 7

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