During World Antimicrobials Awareness Week (18-24 November), the East Riding of Yorkshire and Hull Health and Care Partnerships are encouraging the public and healthcare professionals to become Antibiotic Guardians.
Infections are treated by antibiotics that kill bacteria, but antibiotics are becoming less effective, resulting in more deaths and complications for hospitalized patients.
This week is dedicated to raising awareness about antimicrobials and encouraging people to take action before the situation worsens.
There are many things people can do to help deal with this challenge. These include reducing the chance of catching infections by practising good hygiene, to treat cold and flu symptoms with ‘over the counter’ medicines, not antibiotics.
Also by making sure antibiotics are taken as prescribed, never save them for later and never share them with others
Dr James Crick, Consultant in Public Health Medicine/Associate Medical Director, Hull Health and Care Partnership said:
“Antibiotics dramatically reduce the number of deaths due to serious infections caused by bacteria. However, antibiotic resistance is a real and significant threat to health which means that some antibiotics don’t work as well, or not at all.
“Not all infections respond to antibiotics, in particular viruses. Clinicians are really good at identifying whether antibiotics are required, and why I urge people not to ask for antibiotics for viruses such as cold or flu which can easily be treated with over-the-counter medicines.
“Antibiotics are very successful at treating infections caused by bacteria, however, I would advise that people avoid becoming infected in the first place by simply continuing to wash their hands regularly, remaining at home if they feel unwell, drinking fluids and following the “catch it, bin it, kill it approach to reduce the change of catching something.”
More information can be found online: http://www.eastridingofyorkshireccg.nhs.uk/your-health/antibiotics-awareness/
