An infectious disease physician is providing some insight into the province’s antimicrobial and antibiotic use.

Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the highest antibiotic use in Canada.

Dr. Peter Daley says while antibiotics and other antimicrobials have saved millions of lives since their discovery, they are gradually becoming less effective as bacteria and other microbes develop drug resistance.

He says a recent survey shows that the rate of prescription in Newfoundland and Labrador is decreasing, however, they are worried the rate of prescription may increase again as COVID moves to an endemic stage.

He says they are concerned over the usage in rural areas, as the rates are higher than they are in urban areas like St. John’s. He says specifically, Springdale has the highest use of antimicrobials in Newfoundland and Labrador. Other hotspots include the southern Avalon and the Southern Shore.