ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – It’s that time of year when many people are in and out of the doctor’s office for cold and flu season. While some people may ask for drugs like antibiotics to make them feel better, health professionals are creating awareness about the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Dr. Ellie Nowak, an infectious disease specialist at the Carilion Clinic, explained that antibiotic resistance is when germs, such as bacteria, learn to fight off antibiotics that usually kill them. This makes it more difficult, sometimes impossible, to treat infections.

The CDC estimates that in the US, there are more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections each year, and at least 35,000 people die.

Dr. Nowak said antibiotics are important drugs, but they should only be used when needed for certain types of bacterial infections. Using antibiotics for the wrong indications can lead to resistance and unnecessary side effects.

The Wells Fargo Tower in Roanoke will be lit purple in honor of Antibiotic Awareness Week.

For more on antibiotic awareness, you can listen to Dr. Nowak’s conversation above Here @ Home.

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