Antimicrobial drugs intended for bacterial infections should not be taken for viral infections such as colds, coughs, or the flu.
If your health care provider determines that you do not have a bacterial infection, ask about ways to help relieve your symptoms. Do not pressure your provider to prescribe an antibiotic.
Take medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes.
Take the antibiotic until it is gone, even if you are feeling better. Do not save the medication to treat yourself or others later.
Protect Yourself from Contagious Diseases
Always handle, prepare, and store food correctly.
Get immunized. Ask your health care provider which immunizations you or your children should receive.
Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water for 10-30 seconds.
Here are some additional Web sites to give you more information about preventing the spread of contagious (infectious) diseases:
The Fight Bac! campaign provides information about food safety.
Note: These sites are not CDC sites and will be opened in a new browser window. CDC is not responsible for the content of Web pages found at these links. Links to nonfederal organizations are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not indicate an endorsement of these organizations by CDC or the federal government.
Date: April 4, 2006
Content source: National Center for Infectious Diseases/Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases
Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention,1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A
Tel: (404) 639-3311 / Public Inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435
