Use antibiotics wisely - Not all bugs need drugs (Brochure)

Use Antibiotics Wisely

Not All Bugs Need Drugs

Antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria. They don’t work against viral infections like the common cold or flu.

Help keep antibiotics working for you:

• Prevent illness by washing your hands frequently using soap and water, or a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid spreading infection by coughing or sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue.
• Keep your vaccinations up to date to lower your risk of illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu.
• Take antibiotics as directed, do not share them with others, and if you are told by a healthcare provider to stop taking them, bring unused antibiotics to the pharmacy.

If antibiotics aren’t used properly, they may become less effective and bacteria can survive and continue to spread.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• Do I need antibiotics?
• Are the antibiotics safe to take with my other medications or health conditions?
• What are the side effects?
• Are my vaccinations up to date?

Canada.ca/antibiotics