Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or superbugs, infect an estimated 30,000 people in upstate New York each year, resulting in approximately $300 million in healthcare spending and as many 350 deaths, according to research by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
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.
More articles on infection control:
Regular dental visits linked to decreased risk of pneumonia
Cranberries don't prevent UTIs, study finds
Niagara County NY sees second death linked to Legionnaires' outbreak