,Welcome!,Georgia United against Antibiotic Resistant Disease,Childcare Providers Can Help Keep Antibiotics Working,Learning Objectives,List two types of germs that cause common childhood respiratory illnesses State what antibiotics cannot do if you are sick with a viral infection List comfort measures that can help children with viral infections feel better,Learning Objectives,Name one myth and one fact about antibiotic use List 3 steps childcare providers can take to help keep antibiotics working State the most effective way to prevent the spread of all infections in childcare,What Well Learn.,How are viruses and bacteria different? What is antibiotic misuse? Myths and facts about antibiotics Tips for childcare providers to keep antibiotics working Infection control and childcare settings,How are Bacteria and Viruses Different?,Viruses and Bacteria,Viruses: cause most common respiratory illnesses (e.g., colds, flu, acute bronchitis must run their course - antibiotics cannot help Bacteria: may require antibiotics cause some illnesses like strep throat, some ear infections and sinus infections,Viruses Cause.,Most bronchitis/chest colds Green/yellow nasal discharge Flu Most sore throats,Viruses clear up on their own: antibiotics wont help!,Respiratory Infections in Child Care,Most frequent cause of absence from child care Infants and toddlers in child care have 6-10 respiratory infections per year,Acute Bronchitis (chest cold),Symptoms: cough, fever (last 10-14 days) Caused by a virus: antibiotics will not help What can you do? extra rest eases symptoms keep the environment smoke-free provide extra fluids especially water,“Common Cold“,3-8 colds per year; more than 10 per year if a child in child care Symptoms: runny nose (clear, yellow, green mucus) sore throat cough fever Symptoms usually last 10-14 days,Sore Throats,80% of sore throats are caused by viruses Popsicles or sherbet are soothing,Green/Yellow Runny Nose,Mucus changes from clear to green or yellow during a cold while the body fights a virus Typically caused by a virus Extra fluids and rest are the most effective treatments,Bacteria Cause.,Strep throat Some ear infections Some sinus infections,.these can be treated with antibiotics,Strep Throat,Caused by the strep bacteria Healthcare provider must determine (usually with a lab test) if a sore throat is caused by strep bacteria or a virus Antibiotics are needed to treat the strep bacteria not the sore throat,Virus or Bacteria: Who Knows?,Let your healthcare provider decide! It is often hard to tell if illnesses are caused by a virus or bacteria Dont pressure your healthcare provider for antibiotics,What are Antibiotics?,Powerful medicines with one very important job: to fight disease-causing bacteria When used properly, antibiotics can save lives,What is Antibiotic Misuse?,Taking antibiotics when they are not needed for viral infections When needed, taking antibiotics incorrectly stopping the medicine when you feel better - not finishing the prescription saving antibiotics for a future illness sharing antibiotics with someone else,Why is Antibiotic Misuse a Problem?,When antibiotics are misused, they will not be able to fight infections they are meant to treat Misusing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria,Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Are:,Bacteria that develop ways to resist the antibiotics that are meant to kill them,Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria,Require stronger antibiotics Can cause more serious and difficult to treat disease Can be spread within a family or a community Can affect anyone,Who is responsible for antibiotic misuse and overuse?,Everyone Plays a Role in Antibiotic Overuse,Parents,Schools,Medical Providers,Child Care Providers,Patients,Employers Insurance Health Care Systems,Some Parents/Patients Say .,“I cant take any more time off from work.” “The doctor gave my child an antibiotic the last time he had this problem.” “Lets try an antibiotic so she doesnt get sick later.,Some Doctors Say .,“Parents are demanding antibiotics.” “I want my patients to be satisfied with their medical care.” “Its faster to write a prescription than to explain why it isnt needed.”,Some Child Care Providers Say .,“I cant have sick kids at my child care.” “How do I keep the parents pleased?” “How do I know if its just the sniffles or something more serious?”,How can We Stop Antibiotic Misuse?,Dont demand antibiotics let your doctor decide if you need them Always take antibiotics exactly as prescribed Finish the whole prescription - do not stop when you feel better Never save antibiotics for a future illness or share with others,Colds and flu Bronchitis/cough Most sore throats Viral Infections,Strep throat Bacterial Infection,Antibiotics DO NOTHING!,YES,When Are Antibiotics Needed?,When Are Antibiotics Needed?,Ear infections Sinus infections Viral OR Bacterial Infection,SOMETIMES,Antibiotics WILL NOT work when viruses are the cause of these infections!,Rising Rate of Serious* Infections Resistant to Antibiotics,7%,14%,21%,28%,*Bloodstream and other infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae,24%,What Causes This Problem?,Antibiotics are prescribed for the wrong reasons!,Children Often Get Antibiotics for Colds and Coughs,44%,75%,Unnecessary Antibiotic Prescriptions,For colds 18.0 million For coughs 13.0 million For fluid in the ear 7.0 million For non-strep sore throats 6.5 million For green or yellow runny noses 6.5 million TOTAL: 50 million!,Myths & Facts about Antibiotics,Myths and Facts,Myth: Taking antibiotics means a child can return to childcare sooner Fact: Antibiotics cannot prevent the spread of viral illnesses If antibiotics are needed, children should stay home until they are fever-free and well enough to participate in activities,Myths and Facts,Myth: Children with cold and flu symptoms will feel better or get better faster on antibiotics Fact: Antibiotics cannot ease the symptoms of viral illnesses; these infections resolve on their own Children need extra rest and care, not antibiotics,Myths and Facts,Myth: Antibiotics are always needed if given before the same symptoms Fact: Illnesses with similar symptoms can be caused by different germs Let a healthcare provider decide if the illness is caused by a virus or bacteria - and if antibiotics are needed,Myths and Facts,Myth: If my child takes antibiotics, he/she cannot spread a viral illness to others Fact: Viral illnesses (colds, flu, etc.) usually spread from person to person before the onset of symptoms; before your child appears sick Antibiotics cannot stop the spread of viral illnesses,Childcare Providers,Play an important role in keeping antibiotics working!,What Can Childcare Providers Do?,Share facts about the dangers of antibiotic misuse with parents At orientation / interview, encourage parents to make plans for keeping children home when theyre sick Do not pressure parents or healthcare providers for antibiotics,What Can Childcare Providers Do? (contd),Follow exclusion policies that require antibiotics only for certain bacterial infections; let a healthcare provider decide if an illness is caused by bacteria Make sure children and caregivers are up-to-date on immunizations Practice good handwashing to control the spread of all illnesses,Infection Control in Childcare.,Handwashing Disinfection of toys and surfaces Immunizations,Wash Your Hands.,Upon arrival to and before leaving childcare Before and after handling food After: using the toilet and after diapering removing gloves playing outside handling pets handling any body fluids wiping a childs nose using play dough, sand or water tables,Help Children Wash Their Hands.,Upon arrival to and before leaving childcare Frequently, when they have a cold or runny nose Before and after: eating using sand or water tables using play dough After: using the toilet after blowing their nose after handling pets,Handwashing Guidelines,Use warm, running water and mild (preferably liquid) soap Wet hands, apply soap, rub thoroughly for at least 15 seconds Rinse hands Dry with clean, disposable towel Use a hand sanitizer (alcohol-based) when soap and running water is not available (ex: when outside or on field trips),Despite Good Handwashing,children will still get sick.,Disinfection,Wash all surfaces thoroughly with a bleach solution: 1Tbs bleach to 1 gallon of water All toys that go into childrens mouths should be washed and disinfected between uses,Immunizations,Immunizations are another important part of infection control for vaccine preventable disease Make sure children and staff are up-to-date on immunizations,Take Home Messages,Viruses cause most common childhood respiratory illnesses Viral illnesses need time to heal - antibiotics cannot help,Take Home Messages,Taking antibiotics for viral illnesses will not: cure the infection keep others from getting the illness make you feel