Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveyed patients in 183 hospitals across 10 states over the course of five months to capture a clearer picture of how often antibiotics are prescribed, how much is prescribed, and for how long. Of the roughly 11,000 patients surveyed close to half confirmed they had been given antibiotics. Most of this group also reported they were taking more than one form—some up to four different kinds at once.

"Despite the evidence supporting early, appropriate therapy, a substantial proportion of antimicrobial use in the US acute care hospitals may be inappropriate," the researchers write. "Inappropriate antimicrobial use needlessly puts patients at risk."

7 Percent of Hospital Patients Get Antibiotics for No Reason at All - http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2014/10/antibiotics-hospital-patients-...