Do Bugs Need Drugs? promotes three key messages with an emphasis on handwashing.

Wash your Hands!

Handwashing is the best way to stop the spread of infections

• Use plain soap and water
• No need for antibacterial soap!  
These products lead to antibiotic resistance
• If soap and water are not available AND if your hands are not dirty or greasy, you can use alcohol-based hand rubs to sanitize your hands.  Wash hands with plain soap and water as soon as you can.

When to wash your hands

• Before eating or preparing food
• After using the toilet
• Before and after changing diapers
• After blowing nose
• After handling shared objects
• Before handling contact lenses
• Before flossing your teeth 

You can make a difference!

• Expect doctors, dentists, nurses and therapists to wash their hands before they examine you or your children.
• Make sure plain soap is available in your child’s school, in your workplace, and places where you eat.
• Teach by example.   

Not All Bugs are Created Equal

Both viruses and bacteria cause infections, but antibiotics only work against bacteria

Viral Infections

• Colds, flu, croup, laryngitis, chest colds (bronchitis) and most sore throats are caused by viruses.
• Are more contagious than bacterial infections  
• If more than one person in the family has the same illness, it is most likely a viral infection
• Can make you just as sick as bacterial infections
• Usually get better in 4-5 days but it may take as long as three weeks to fully recover

Antibiotics do not work against most viruses 

Bacterial Infections

• Are less common than viral infections
• Do not spread as easily from one person to another as viral infections
• Cause infections such as pneumonia and strep throat

Antibiotics do work against most bacteria

Antibiotic Resistance is a Problem

What is Antibiotic Resistance?

• Using antibiotics when you don’t need them (for example, colds and flu) can lead to antibiotic resistance
• Bacteria have “antibiotic resistance” when they cannot be killed by antibiotics
• Remember it is the bacteria that are resistant - NOT YOU! 
Even very healthy people, who have never taken antibiotics can become infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria from others

Use Antibiotics Wisely

You can make a difference!

• Do not expect an antibiotic.
• Most respiratory infections are due to viruses.
• Trust your doctor if an antibiotic has not been prescribed.
• Wash your hands to prevent the spread of infections.

Visit the Do Bugs Need Drugs?™ program website; or follow the direct links to the information you're most interested in below:

General Public: Information for the general public can be found on the Do Bugs Need Drugs? website.  An Adult Education Tutorial as well as the TV commercials can be found here along with other information. 

Parents: A parent guide is available in 12 languages and helps parents cope with common childhood infections such as colds, flu, sore throats, earaches and other respiratory tract infections

Teachers: Information for teachers, including the Do Bugs Need Drugs? Grade 2 program.

Kids: You can find games to play online, coloring sheets to download and activity pages to test how much you know.  The games will help you learn about the germs that make you sick, what to do if you are sick and most importantly, how to not get sick in the first place! Check it out!

Daycares: The Do Bugs Need Drugs? Daycare program is for early childhood educators and children age two to five years. It emphasises the importance of teaching young children about handwashing and introduces the concept of germs and illness. This section displays how proper handwashing can prevent the spread of disease and reduce the need for antibiotics. Recommendations for Handwashing in Childcare Settings are also available on the Daycare site.

Healthcare Professionals: This section of the website lists educational resources for healthcare professionals to use in the management of patients with infectious diseases, including the 2006 Bugs and Drugs antimicrobial reference, and prescribing summaries.

Occupational Health: Resources for occupational health professionals can be used for employee presentations about handwashing, respiratory tract infections and antibiotic use. An Adult Education Tutorial presentation explains more about antibiotic resistance, provides statistics and self-help information.

Assisted Living:  This section includes tips on presenting to seniors, and what to expect when you go to an assisted living facility. Although the assisted living program appears to be focused on seniors, the content applies to any adult living in a group setting.