Our Commitment to Responsible Antibiotic Use
At Rapides 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.
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 Rapides 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 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.
Learn More
For more information about antibiotic resistance and safe antibiotic use, visit the CDC’s Antibiotic Use Website.
At Rapides 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!