Some antibiotic myths are easy to spot. Others contain just enough truth to be convincing. With the right facts and a little curiosity, you can help others make informed decisions about antibiotic use.
Spot the Myth! ‘Every positive urine culture needs to be treated with antibiotics.’
- Bust the Myth! Diagnosis of a UTI requires both finding bacteria in a urine test and the presence of specific symptoms. Having both is important, because bacteria can live naturally in the bladder without causing any pain or symptoms.
- Find the Facts:
- Suspect a UTI? Know When to Use Antibiotics from the Fairfax County Health Department is a patient-friendly guide to understanding when antibiotics are needed.
- Treating Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: No Benefit, Possible Harm from the Fairfax County Health Department is a guide for healthcare providers on when to treat bacteria in the urine.
Spot the Myth! “I don’t prescribe antibiotics, so antibiotic resistance isn’t my problem.”
- Bust the Myth! Drug-resistant germs don’t stay in one place! They can spread between patients, residents, staff, and healthcare settings. Everyone can help stop their spread. Hand hygiene, cleaning, disinfection, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use all play a part.
- Find the Facts:
- How Drug-resistant Germs Spread from the CDC explains how resistant germs spread in healthcare settings and the community.
- Disinfecting Done Right from CDC Project Firstline is a micro-learn on proper disinfectant use and contact time.
How to Bust Myths in Your Workplace
- Start a myth-busting huddle. Share a myth and ask staff, “What would you say?” Practice friendly responses and use trusted resources to explore the facts together.
- Make the facts easy to find. Share the patient handout in waiting areas or add the CDC infographic to staff newsletters and breakroom boards.
Target Audience: Essential & Foundational IPC Education Level