New York State Department of Health Announces Landmarks to Be Illuminated in Recognition of Antibiotic Awareness Week

New York State Landmarks to be Illuminated in Purple on the Evening of November 21

Antibiotics Treat Certain Bacteria, But Not Viruses Like COVID, Flu, or RSV

Misuse of Antibiotics Can Create Antibiotic Resistance

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 21, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health recognizes U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week, November 18-24, with a reminder to New Yorkers that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance. Tonight, November 21, New York State landmarks will be illuminated in purple in recognition of the importance of proper use of antibiotics.

"Antibiotics are powerful medications that can treat bacterial infections, but they must be taken properly, or they can have harmful short- and long-term health effects," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Antibiotics should not be used for viral infections and should always be taken as prescribed to get the best health benefits without risking antimicrobial resistance."

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual observance that raises awareness for the importance of appropriate use of antibiotics (medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria). Antibiotics do not treat viruses, like the flu, RSV, COVID-19, or the common cold and are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance can occur when antibiotics are inappropriately prescribed, or when inappropriately used. When bacteria become resistant, antibiotics might no longer work, and infections can become difficult or impossible to treat. The CDC estimates that each year in the United States, at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and at least 23,000 people die each year as a direct result of these infections.

Landmarks to be lit include:

  • Kosciuszko Bridge
  • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
  • State Education Building
  • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
  • Empire State Plaza
  • State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
  • Niagara Falls
  • The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
  • Albany International Airport Gateway
  • Long Island Railroad - East End Gateway at Penn Station
  • Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
  • Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

More information about antibiotics and what conversations are good for patients to have with a health care provider can be found here.

Information about antibiotic resistance can be found here.

Learn more about U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week here.