November 22, 2022
Did you know the World Health Organization lists Antimicrobials or Superbugs as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity?
Join London Health Sciences Centre’s (LHSC) Antimicrobial Stewardship team in celebrating World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW). This year’s theme of “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together” calls for healthcare professionals, policy makers, and the public to band together for responsible antimicrobial use to prevent mounting resistance and creating “superbugs”.
Here is how you can do your part to prevent superbugs:
- Diligently wash and scrub your hands for at least 15 seconds and turn off the faucet using a paper towel.
- Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations, including COVID-19 and annual flu shot.
- Recognize that not all infections need antibiotics, including when you feel sick enough to go see the doctor.
- Maintain a healthy active lifestyle to reduce your need to visit the hospital.
- Keep a clean home and work environment, thoroughly clean and cook your food.
LHSC’s efforts to reduce drug resistance are led by the Antimicrobial Stewardship team, who, among other duties, design guidelines recommending responsible antibiotic use, review their use in the Intensive Care Units, and provide teaching sessions across the hospital.
“Antimicrobial stewardship programs play a critical role in patient safety and healthcare quality through auditing, surveillance, and educational activities. These programs have been instrumental in fostering judicious antimicrobial use in a wide array of patient populations, including those with COVID-19 infection,” says Dr. Sameer Elsayed, physician lead of the Antimicrobial Stewardship team at LHSC.
Please visit the World Health Organization Antimicrobial Awareness Week page to learn more about antimicrobial resistance and other ways you can participate!