DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service. 17 February 2009
Government
launches campaign in fight against infections
The latest phase in a campaign to remind the public that
antibiotics do not help to treat viral infections such as
cough's, colds and a sore throat was launched today by the
Chief Medical Officer for England.
Press adverts and posters will appear in newspapers and magazines
from today are aimed at patients and Clinicians and are intended
to reduce unnecessary requests for antibiotics from patients. The
campaign forms part of the Government's strategy to tackle
the increasing problem antibiotic resistance which could make
treatment for common bacterial infections such as pneumonia much
more difficult in the future.
Chief Medical Officer for England, Sir Liam Donaldson said:
"Antibiotics don't work on colds, most coughs or sore
throats or even the flu. Using antibiotics when they are not
necessary will increase resistance to them and make it difficult
to treat serious bacterial infections in the future.
"If you are suffering with cold and flu 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."
Antibiotic resistance is a global public health issue in which we
all have a part to play in order to keep antibiotics effective.
Latest data from the Health Protection Agency shows that
resistance to the antibiotic most often used to treat E.Coli
increased by 10% between 2001 and 2007.
Bacteria will always try to find ways to survive by evolving and
developing resistance to antibiotics so we must stay one step
ahead of the game.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
* Patients with colds do not normally need medical advice but
should consult their doctor if they are worried or if:
- a cough lasts more than three weeks,
- they have shortness of breath or chest pains develop,
- if they already have a chest complaint.
* NHS Direct can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on
0845 4647, or you can visit http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
* For copies of the campaign materials, or for further media
enquiries, please call the Department of Health Newsdesk on 020
7210 5221.