The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about the threat to public health of antibiotic resistance. In the UK there has been a rise in the rates of antibiotic resistance in a variety of bacteria over recent years, for example, germs such as E.coli that often cause urine infections showing signs of resistance have trebled since the turn of the century and Staph Aureus, which following the development of resistance to commonly used antibiotics became known as the ‘Superbug’ MRSA.

Responsible use of antibiotics can help stop resistant bacteria from developing and help keep antibiotics effective for the use of future generations.

NHS Rotherham Medical Director, Dr David Plews, said: “Using antibiotics when they are not necessary will increase resistance to them and make it difficult to treat serious bacterial infections in the future. People need to be aware that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and they do not work on virus infections such as those causing coughs or colds. If you are suffering with cold symptoms or a sore throat you should rest, take plenty of fluids and speak to your pharmacist who will advise you on over-the-counter remedies that are available."

Antibiotics Facts

When should I take antibiotics?
Antibiotics are not the solution for infections caused by viruses such as common colds or flu. Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections and your doctor will not prescribe them unless she/he thinks you really need them. The correct diagnosis and the decision about whether antibiotics are necessary can only be made by a medical doctor.

Remember: Antibiotics won’t work in the case of cold or flu

• Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections – they cannot help you recover from infections caused by viruses such as common colds or flu.
• Antibiotics do not prevent viruses from spreading to other people.
• Taking antibiotics for wrong reasons, such as against colds or flu, has no benefit for you and may cause you harm.
• Misuse of antibiotics only causes bacteria to become resistant to antibiotic treatments. So when you need antibiotics in the future they may no longer work.
• Antibiotics can often give you side effects such as diarrhoea or sickness.
• Always seek your doctor’s advice before taking antibiotics.

How should I take antibiotics?
When the doctor has confirmed that antibiotics are necessary, it is very important to take the antibiotics in a responsible manner.

Remember: Take antibiotics responsibly

• Antibiotic use causes bacteria to become resistant to antibiotic treatments, therefore it is important not to take antibiotics for the wrong reasons or incorrectly.
• Take antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor and follow the doctor’s advice on how to take the antibiotics so that they can stay effective also in the future.
• Always complete the course of antibiotics, even if you feel better and never give any unused antibiotics to anyone else.  Ask your pharmacist to dispose of them.

Why should I take antibiotics responsibly?
Wrong or incorrect use of antibiotics may cause the bacteria to become resistant against future treatments. This is a health hazard not just for the person having taken the antibiotics inappropriately but also for anyone else who might catch the resistant bacteria afterwards. Furthermore some Health Care Associated Infections such as C. diff. or MRSA can occur.

Remember: Keeping antibiotics effective is everybody’s responsibility

• Antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at a pace that was unforeseen even five years ago. This is because antibiotic use causes bacteria to become resistant to antibiotic treatments.
• If we continue to consume antibiotics at the current rate,Europemay face a return to the pre-antibiotic era, where a common bacterial infection such as pneumonia could be a death sentence. So when you do need antibiotics in the future they may no longer work.
• Do not use antibiotics for the wrong reasons or incorrectly.
• Always follow your doctor’s advice on when and how to use antibiotics in a responsible way so that they can stay effective also in the future.

Ref:  NHSR11 - P67