 [ Symptoms ] what are some steps the public can take to push back at antibiotic resistance [ Disease ] be informed when an antibiotic is needed do not insist on getting an antibiotic when going to your health care provider if you have a nasty cold it is important to drink plenty of fluids get plenty of rest and ask your doctor what to do to treat your symptoms it is very important for patients and health care providers to work as a team to develop alternatives when an antibiotic is not needed do not be afraid to ask questions of your health care provider it is reasonable to ask why an antibiotic was not prescribed patients can also play a role by staying up to date on vaccines and taking care of themselves hand washing can prevent the spread of infections