Antibiotics

How to keep antibiotics working

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat.

Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally but misuse, including underuse, overuse, and inappropriate use, of antimicrobial medicines is one of the major drivers of drug-resistant infections.

We can all help tackle the problem by following simple steps to take antibiotics correctly and only when they have been prescribed by a healthcare professional.

• When prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed by your GP, nurse or pharmacist, to make sure they are effective.
• Never save antibiotics for later use – they won’t work properly and could make the problem worse.
• Antibiotics don’t work for colds and flu. These illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria. If in doubt, go to your local pharmacy for advice.