Our Commitment to Responsible Antibiotic Use
At St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care, your health and safety are our top priorities. Our team is proud to be part of the Urgent Care Association (UCA) and the College of Urgent Care Medicine® (CUCM) Antibiotic Stewardship Commendation program, which recognizes urgent care organizations committed to responsible antibiotic prescribing practices. We are dedicated to safe antibiotic usage at St. Joseph’s/Cander Urgent Care and to helping our patients understand how to prevent antibiotic resistance. Here’s what you should know.
What Is Antibiotic Resistance?
Antibiotics are powerful medicines used to treat bacterial infections. However, when antibiotics are used too often or incorrectly, bacteria can adapt and become resistant. This means that antibiotics may no longer work to treat infections, making illnesses harder to cure and increasing the risk of severe complications.
Why We Limit Antibiotics at St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care
Many common illnesses, like colds, flu, most sore throats, and some sinus or ear infections, are caused by viruses — not bacteria. Since antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, prescribing them for viral illnesses does not help you get better and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
By limiting antibiotic prescriptions, we help:
- Prevent unnecessary side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, or allergic reactions
- Reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
- Ensure antibiotics remain effective when truly needed for future serious conditions
When Are Antibiotics Necessary?
Our medical providers carefully evaluate each patient to determine the best treatment plan.
Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections such as:
- Urinary tract infections
- Strep throat
- Some ear infections
- Bacterial pneumonia
If an antibiotic is not needed, we will recommend other treatments to help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery..
How Does Antibiotic Resistance Develop?
Antibiotic resistance doesn’t happen overnight — it’s a gradual process that occurs when bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics and adapt to survive. Each time antibiotics are used unnecessarily or incorrectly, a few stronger bacteria may survive and multiply. These resistant bacteria can spread to others, causing infections that are much harder to treat. That’s why using antibiotics responsibly is so critical.
Common Causes of Antibiotic Resistance:
- Taking antibiotics for viral infections like the flu or common cold, which antibiotics cannot treat.
- Not completing the full course of antibiotics, allowing surviving bacteria to regroup and strengthen.
- Using leftover antibiotics or taking someone else’s prescription, which may not be appropriate for your condition.
- Overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and animal farming, which can indirectly impact human health.
The more often bacteria encounter antibiotics, the more opportunities they have to adapt and become resistant. Over time, some infections may no longer respond to standard treatments, making them more dangerous and harder to cure.
The Role of Responsible Antibiotic Use
Both healthcare providers and patients play a vital role in combating antibiotic resistance. By using antibiotics only when truly necessary and following prescriptions exactly as directed, we can protect your health today while preserving the effectiveness of these life-saving medications for future generations.
At St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care, we prioritize evidence-based treatments that address the root cause of your illness, not just the symptoms. Our approach ensures you receive the right care while minimizing unnecessary antibiotic use.
How You Can Help
You play a key role in preventing antibiotic resistance. Here’s how:
- Trust your provider’s advice: If an antibiotic isn’t necessary, rest assured that we will offer the best alternative treatments.
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed: If given an antibiotic, finish the full course even if you start to feel better.
- Prevent infections: Wash your hands regularly, stay up to date on vaccines, and practice good hygiene to reduce the spread of illness.
Our Commitment to Antibiotic Stewardship
St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care is proud to uphold the highest standards in antibiotic stewardship. We are dedicated to promoting the responsible use of antibiotics through evidence-based practices, patient education, and ongoing staff training.
When you choose St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care, you can trust that your treatment plan is designed with your health, and the future of healthcare, in mind. Together, we can fight antibiotic resistance and ensure these life-saving medications remain effective for generations to come.
Discover More
For more information about antibiotic resistance and safe antibiotic use, visit the CDC’s Antibiotic Use Website.
At St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care, we’re here to provide the right care at the right time — while ensuring antibiotics remain effective for future generations. Thank you for trusting us with your health!For more information or to get necessary care, call your closest St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care location today, check-in online for care, or simply walk into our clinic. Our team is here for you.