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PORTLAND, Ore. - The fifth annual "AWARE in the Square" event about antibiotics and prevention of infections like the cold and influenza will be held at the Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland on Friday, Nov. 21, during the national Get Smart About Antibiotics Week.

The one-day event will be from 7:30 a.m. to dusk and provide information about the importance of appropriate antibiotic use, immunizations, bacterial versus viral infections, and cold and flu prevention. Adults without health insurance can receive the flu vaccine free of charge.

The event is a collaboration between students from the Oregon State University/Oregon Health & Science University College of Pharmacy; Oregon Health & Science University physician assistant, medical and nursing students; and the Oregon Alliance Working for Antibiotic Resistance Education, or Oregon AWARE.

In the past, more than 1,000 Oregonians have attended the event.

Experts say that using antibiotics as directed by a healthcare provider, and only when needed, is important for limiting the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics do not work for the cold or flu, which are infections caused by viruses. Inappropriate use of antibiotics makes it less likely that these medications will work when they are really needed.