Pella Regional Health Center is observing the Center for Disease Control’s Get Smart about Antibiotics Week.

According to the CDC, the use of antibiotics is the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world.

‎Infection Preventionist Jen Henely tells KNIA/KRLS News that antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or “superbugs,” have become a side-effect of improper use or overuse of the live-saving medication.

Director of Hospital Pharmacy at Pella Regional Mindi Jorgenson says part of the issue of overuse stems from many people not knowing the difference between bacteria and viruses.

Approximately two million people in the US acquire serious antibiotic resistant infections and 23,000 people in the US die as a result of antibiotic resistant infections each year.

Ask a physician what symptom relief is best for a child suffering from illness.