Goodbye Bacteria

Working together to promote, educate, and inspire people to step up and fight antibiotic resistance.

[goodbyebacteria-blog]

Campylobacter is resistant to ciprofloxacin and azithromycin both of the drugs used to treat this serious disease.  Some of the symptoms of Campylobacter are severe bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and in more serious cases temporary paralysis.  Medical professionals around the world rely on ciprofloxacin and azithromycin to treat patients and as the bacteria become more resistant the survival rate drops.  In order to prevent infection you should keep your kitchen clean, ensure raw meat is stored separately from ready to eat food, when you make food make sure that meat is cooked fully and to the correct temperature, keep your meat cool, avoid eating raw meat and drink and eat safe food while abroad.   If you develop any of these symptoms DO NOT prepare food for others and let your physician know.  For more information click here https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf#page=53

[goodbyebacteria-blog]

Acinetobacter is a bacterial infection that is resistant to three different classes of antibiotics.  It may cause pneumonia or bloodstream infections in severe cases.  Some strains of Acinetobacter are resistant to all antibiotics including last resort and newer kinds.  The majority of Acinetobacter is multidrug resistant, meaning it cannot be killed by multiple different antibiotics.  You can reduce your chances of being infected by not overusing antibiotics and by completing your antibiotic packs when prescribed.  Don't forget handwashing and proper drug use are essential to avoid these diseases.  For more information look here https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf#page=53 

[goodbyebacteria-blog]

Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea is an STD that is resistant to most if not all antibiotics used to treat normal gonorrhea.  The symptoms of NG are discharge, and inflammation of the urethra, cervix, pharynx, or rectum.  NG is a very preventable disease just remember to have safe sex, and communicate with your partner.   If you do contract NG please report it to your physician so that you can be treated and stop the spread of disease, more than half of NG cases go unreported and untreated causing more victims.  For more information click here https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf#page=53

[goodbyebacteria-blog]

Threat Level: URGENT

RE is a serious disease with over 600 deaths so far.  This disease is most commonly contracted in hospitals.  CRE kills nearly half of the people infected.  To prevent the spread of infection please inform your doctor if you were treated at a different hospital, wash your hands frequently and be sure that proper CDC handwashing guidelines are being followed throughout your care.  For more information click here

 https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf#page=53

[goodbyebacteria-blog]

Threat Level: SERIOUS

MRSA is an antibiotic superbug found in hospitals.  This infection is occasionally life-threatening, and fairly common.  You can avoid this infection by ensuring that all healthcare professionals use proper handwashing techniques and follow all CDC protocol for surgical procedures.  The infection normally manifests in skin abscesses/ or skin infections.  It may also occur on or near surgical wounds.  If you see any redness or pus you should cover the wound and alert your physician.  To find out more about MRSA look here - https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf#page=77

[goodbyebacteria-blog]

Threat Level: URGENT

C.Diff is one of the most dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria.  Symptoms include diarrhea more than 10 times a day, severe cramping, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, dehydration, rapid heart rate. You are most likely to encounter this disease during a hospital stay or after getting sick with a common infection.  It is caused by an excess of the good bacteria in your gut.  To help prevent infection and the spread of this horrifying disease, wash your hands, correctly take your antibiotics when you are sick, and make sure to see your primary care physician when you experience any of the listed symptoms for more than 72 hours. For more information on C.Diff look here. https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/threat-report-2013/pdf/ar-threats-2013-508.pdf#page=51