November 14-20, 2016, will be Get Smart about Antibiotics Week in Kentucky thanks to a proclamation by Governor Matt Bevin.

Antibiotic use is the single most important contributing factor to antibiotic resistance, and up to one-third to one-half of antibiotic use in humans is either unnecessary or inappropriate. Each year in the United States, 47 million unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions are written in doctor's offices, emergency rooms, and hospital-based clinics, which makes improving antibiotic prescribing and use a national priority. To combat antibiotic resistance and avoid adverse drug reactions, we have to use antibiotics appropriately. This means using antibiotics only when needed and, if needed, using them correctly.

Next week is a great opportunity to review appropriate use and prescribing of antibiotics with hospital staff and with patients.