One of the most basic and effective ways to prevent nosocomial infections is by limiting the use of antibiotics, especially in countries such as France where they are widely consumed. Such measures inhibit the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria strains that render treatment more difficult, costly, and lengthy.

In 2002, France’s national health care insurance agency (CNAM - La Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie) launched a countrywide campaign to better inform doctors and the general public of the need to restrict antibiotics.

General practitioners, for example, now have quick diagnostic test for throat infections, flu or cold related sore throats, and similar viral infections. If the test shows that the condition is viral, antibiotics are not prescribed because they are ineffective against viruses. CNAM workers regularly visit doctors in order to advise them. Information campaigns are regularly launched to inform the public that antibiotics will not be automatically prescribed to patients when they feel ill. The campaign slogan, translated from French, is “Antibiotics are not automatic.”

Between 2002 and 2006, the use of antibiotics was reduced by 23.4% in the general population, and by 34% among children less than five years of age. Consequently, the French health care system was able to save 850 million Euros that would otherwise have been wasted on ineffective and unnecessary treatment.

CNAM is currently implementing a new plan for 2008 that includes the “E-Bug” project. The architects of this plan are collaborating with the French Ministry of Education to better inform school children from nine to 16 years of age about infections, antibiotics, and hygiene.