Dec. 19, 2018&mdash;Sharing is usually a good thing. But a new study found that people commonly save leftover antibiotics and give them to others. That kind of sharing has risks.
The study, presented at a conference for the <a href="https://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=aap" target="_blank">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>, warned that the sharing of antibiotics is a big problem. It's risky for those who were not given the medicine by a doctor. But the practice is also promoting antibiotic resistance. That's when bacteria develop a tolerance to antibiotics. And the illnesses become harder to treat.
In the study, 496 parents across the nation took a survey. Nearly half said they kept leftover antibiotics instead of throwing them out. Of those who saved the medicine, about 73 percent gave it to others without asking a doctor. 
Antibiotic resistance: Doing your part
The <a href="https://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=who" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a> warns that antibiotic resistance is a threat to global health. Diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea and salmonellosis are becoming harder to treat. 
You can help slow it with these few tips:
<ul>
 <li>Don't ask for antibiotics if your doctor says you don't need them.</li>
 <li>Only use antibiotics prescribed by a certified health professional. Take them exactly as instructed for as long as instructed, even if you start to feel better.</li>
 <li>Don't share your antibiotics, and only take those prescribed for you.</li>
 <li>Take steps to prevent infections in the first place. Wash your hands and prepare food properly. Get your vaccinations on schedule, and avoid close contact with those who are sick.</li>
 <li>Choose animal food products produced without the use of antibiotics.</li>
</ul>
Take our <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/Story.aspx?StoryID=5e040fb5-88d1-44a2-8dd7-0bd79c10aa65">quiz</a> to test your knowledge about antibiotic medicines. And check out these reminders for <a href="[BASEDOMAIN]/healthinfo/Story.aspx?StoryId=7f9bd686-6cc2-4b5e-8e06-cd9b1ba4aa83">throwing away old meds safely</a>.

Antibiotics: Sharing isn't caring