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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- November 12 through November 18 is the Center for Disease Dynamics "Get Smart about Antibiotics Week."

According to the CDC there is a troubling rate of high antibiotic use.

Because of the high rates of antibiotic use, common infections are becoming more difficult to treat.

Unnecessary use of antibiotics makes them less effective in fighting off infections.

Nickolas Gillette, D.O., with Complete Family Medicine said there is an overuse of antibiotics today because a lot of people think that when they feel sick, they need an antibiotic to feel better. 

“As patients (there are) a lot of different strategies you can take to try and prevent overuse of antibiotics,” Gillette said.

“One of the ways is if your doctor does prescribe antibiotics, (make) sure you take the full course of antibiotics. It will help prevent perhaps, relapse of a bacterial infection. Secondly, (make) sure that you do consult your doctor.”

Gillette says a lot of times people have illnesses they think they need medication for, but they just have a virus and it can be treated in a different way.  

“Lastly, I think it’s important to get vaccinated,” Gillette said.

He said getting vaccinated will help prevent even getting the illness in the first place.