guidelines on antibiotic prescribing

Antibiotic prescribing guidelines emphasize using antibiotics only when necessary, primarily for bacterial infections, not viral ones like colds or flu. Doctors assess symptoms and may test for infections before prescribing. They select the appropriate antibiotic, consider potential side effects, and the risk of antibiotic resistance. Patients should take the full course as prescribed, even if they feel better early. Unused antibiotics should never be shared or saved for later. By following these guidelines, we can ensure antibiotics remain effective for serious infections and help protect public health overall.