Estimates were derived via analysis of national prescribing data from the CDC and population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau.
“Too often, antibiotics are prescribed for the flu, the common cold, or acute bronchitis, all of which are caused by viruses,” said Martin Lustick, MD, corporate medical director of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “The overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics results in the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, such as MRSA.”
Recent research suggests 30 percent of antibiotic prescriptions may be unnecessary. Additional research found physicians may prescribe the wrong antibiotic nearly half the time when antibiotic treatment is necessary.
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