Huron Regional Medical Center

2 wellone CONNECTION www.huronregional.org Guest Column Defending Our Community From Superbugs THE NUMBER OF "SUPERBUGS" – powerful bacteria that contain gene mutations shielding them from the effects of standard antibiotics – has risen in recent years. We can work together to reverse this trend. It's natural to assume you need an antibiotic when you get sick. The problem is many of the most common illnesses, including the flu, common colds and other respiratory infections, are not caused by bacteria. These infections are often due to viruses, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. If you have a virus, taking an antibiotic won't treat your illness or shorten the duration of your symptoms. It may, however, lead to side effects, which can include antibiotic resistance now and in the future. How does antibiotic resistance develop? Inappropriate antibiotic use kills the "good" bacteria within our bodies. These beneficial bacteria help fight infections, including superbugs. When numbers of beneficial bacteria are low, superbugs can multiply within our bodies and pass from person to person. Not completing an entire course of antibiotics also increases the chances of resistance. If you don't take your antibiotic long enough, the infection may not only come back, but also develop resistance to whatever antibiotic you were taking. Antibiotic resistance is a concern not just for individuals, but also for entire communities. Superbugs are developing and multiplying faster than researchers can create new antibiotics. Antibiotic-resistant germs can cause more complicated infections that require the use of stronger, more powerful medications. This can increase our health costs and expose more people to potentially life-threatening infections. Curbing antibiotic resistance requires a community-wide effort. Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) has joined the fight by developing an antibiotic stewardship committee tasked with reducing antibiotic overuse and educating community members about antibiotic resistance. You can help by being careful about your antibiotic use. What You Can Do. If you have mild symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose and sore throat, give your symptoms a chance to pass before talking with your physician about antibiotic treatment. If your symptoms are due to the common cold, for example, they' ll likely resolve within one to two weeks. If you do have a bacterial infection and see your doctor, take any medication exactly as prescribed. Don't share your antibiotics with sick family members or stop taking them because you feel better. Finally, get your yearly flu shot. The flu vaccine helps shield you from the influenza virus and offers protection from flu-related complications, such as secondary bacterial infections. New Infectious Disease Specialist. HRMC also has added a new infectious disease specialist to our medical staff. Jeremy Storm, DO, is an internal medicine physician with Storm Clinic in Sioux Falls. He completed an infectious disease fellowship at the University of Iowa and provides infectious disease consultations via telemedicine to HRMC physicians upon request. The importance of having him on staff is that he provides support to the physicians in our community through his infectious disease expertise. Without Dr. Storm's assistance, patients may otherwise need to be sent out of town for antibiotic recommendations and treatment. Infectious disease consultations can now be performed right here in Huron. Remember, superbugs can multiply and spread from person to person just like normal bacteria. By taking these steps to prevent antibiotic resistance, you're not only protecting yourself, but also your friends, family and neighbors. Jesse Van Heukelom, MD Jesse Van Heukelom, MD Pediatrician and member, HRMC Antibiotic Stewardship Committee

• Cover