Oregon second-lowest in antibiotics use

PORTLAND, Ore. -

Oregon has the second-lowest rate of antibiotic use in the nation, behind Alaska. But inappropriate antibiotic use, which can lead to drug resistance and adverse side effects, remains a threat, public health officials said Tuesday.

Ann Thomas, M.D., medical director for Oregon Health Authority's Alliance Working for Antibiotic Resistance Education (AWARE) program, says the study showing Oregon's low rate is good news. But the state can't rest on its laurels.

"Antibiotics are useful medications in treating certain infections, but it's important that they're used only when necessary," Thomas said. "Overuse of antibiotics leads to infections that are difficult to treat."

The study was done in 2010 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

As part of its ongoing effort to urge consumers to help reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics, AWARE, funded by the CDC, is taking part in "Get Smart About Antibiotics Week" this week. AWARE is partnering with the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy in "AWARE on the Square," set for 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square.

The free public event will offer educational information and activities promoting appropriate antibiotic use and hand hygiene. AWARE and OSU also will provide free flu vaccinations for uninsured adults from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Antibiotics are particularly inappropriate for colds and the flu, which are caused by viruses, Thomas says. Antibiotics are ineffective for treating flu or cold viruses.

Taking antibiotics when they're not needed or not as prescribed increases a person's risk for later antibiotic-resistant infections.

Thomas recommends health care providers take time to educate their patients about antibiotic resistance and the possibility of serious side effects, including allergic reactions that result in a rash and anaphylaxis, and send thousands of patients to the emergency room every year.

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Oregon second-lowest in antibiotics use