Many people are worried about keeping their families healthy and want to know more about steps they can take to reduce the risk that they or their loved ones will get sick. Personal hygiene and household cleanliness practices are important methods to reduce the risk of spreading infectious disease. For example, parents, students, and teachers should urge and encourage hand washing in daycare centers, schools and homes to prevent the local spread of infections. APUA works to educate consumers about the importance of healthy hygiene practices and infection control. APUA initiatives include disseminating these guidelines to consumers via the media and community-based organizations, as well as increasing attention to environmental and infection control in health facilities as the primary way to reduce infection rates and thereby reduce the overuse of antibiotics and emergence of antibacterial resistance.  

APUA Fact Sheets

Handwashing: the first line of defense
When do I need an antibiotic?
Antibacterials in household products
Creating a healthy household
Seasonal flu
How to fight the common cold
MRSA
Caring for a family member with MRSA
Determining your risk for C. difficile diarrhea
The cost of antibiotic resistance to U.S. families and the health care system
Patient-consumer information on the prudent use of antibiotics
Antimicrobial resistance (WHO fact sheet)
The Need to Improve Antibiotic Use in Food Animals (facts about antibiotic use in food animals)

FDA Fact Sheets

Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know

Reports and Papers

Triclosan: APUA white paper
Patient Behaviors and Beliefs Regarding Antibiotic Use: APUA policy brief on patient beliefs, experiences, and practices concerning antibiotic use
Healthy Families, Healthy Homes: APUA report prepared in conjunction with expert panel of clinicians - provides guidance to consumers on creating a healthy household environment and keeping families and homes safe from infection