(Horizon) November 19, 2014 - During Antibiotic Awareness Week, Horizon is encouraging the public to understand more about their role in protecting the value of antibiotics into the future.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, often referred to as superbugs, are a huge threat to the health and safety of patients as well as to the resources of our health-care system. How antibiotics are used affects everyone.

Almost half of antibiotic orders are either inappropriate or incomplete according to a 2012 survey [1] of 21 New Brunswick hospitals.

Antibiotics are critical in the treatment of many types of infections caused by bacteria but improper use of antibiotics can actually do more harm than good.

In order to ensure antibiotics remain effective, medical professionals and patients must carefully consider if antibiotics are truly warranted. Sometimes the best prescription is no prescription.

To find out more, visit http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/drugs-products-medicaments-produits/antibiotic-resistance-antibiotique/index-eng.php

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For more information contact:

Carolyn McCormack, APR
Media Relations
1-877-499-1899
Media@HorizonNB.ca
www.HorizonNB.ca

[1] Brideau-Laughlin D, Girouard G, Levesque M, MacLaggan T, Murray J, Salmon J.  A Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Use:  Benchmarking and patterns of Use to Support Antimicrobial Stewardship Efforts. Horizon Healthcare Network and Vitalité Healthcare Network.  June/July 2012.