Many Older Adults Confused About Proper Use of Antibiotics: Poll

A study by the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found 90 percent of more than 2,200 adults 50 to 80 years old were cautious about using antibiotics, while nearly as many knew that overuse can nullify their efficacy, according to U.S. News & World Report . Meanwhile, almost 56 percent agreed that doctors overprescribe antibiotics, but about one-third believed wrongly that antibiotics could effectively treat colds or the flu, which are caused by viruses and not bacteria. Moreover, 13 percent of older adults who filled an antibiotic prescription said they had leftover drugs, even though patients are usually recommended to take all the medication. Close to two-thirds of respondents with leftover antibiotics said they retained them, and nearly 60 percent in that group said they did so in the event they needed the medication later. Doctors advise against this, and the poll's authors said people should see a physician for new signs of infection and get a new prescription for antibiotics if necessary. In addition, one in five survey respondents said they had taken antibiotics without consulting a healthcare professional at least once in the past, and most said they had taken their own leftover medications.