Government raises
awareness on appropriate antibiotic use
A new drive to raise antibiotics awareness was launched today to
remind the public that antibiotics do not work in treating viral
infections such as coughs and colds.
The aim of the campaign is to emphasise the importance of taking
antibiotics responsibly by putting an end to their unnecessary use
and encouraging people to follow their GP's advice by
using antibiotics appropriately.
The inappropriate use of antibiotics has become a serious problem
in Europe which is why there is now an annual European Antibiotic
Awareness Day (EAAD).
The use of antibiotics gives bacteria the chance to develop
resistance which threatens to make antibiotic treatments
ineffective. This risk is increased by unnecessary antibiotic use
and we need to preserve existing treatments for the future.
Chief Medical Officer (Interim) Professor Dame Sally Davies said:
"As the season for coughs and colds approaches, the
public are being reminded to 'Get well without
antibiotics' because these drugs do not cure most coughs,
colds and sore throats.
"The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the
risks in taking antibiotics for the wrong reasons, and to keep
antibiotics effective for use in future generations."
Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal College of General
Practitioners, said:
"Patients need to know that antibiotics are not always
the answer and certainly in the case of coughs and colds they are
of little use. It can be very difficult for a GP having a
consultation with a patient who expects antibiotics. Many patients
think that antibiotics reduce the effects of coughs and colds when
in fact these infections will often get better anyway without
their use. Plenty of rest and lots of fluids will often help
patients fight these infections much more effectively."
Philip Howard, Consultant Antimicrobial Pharmacist and Royal
Pharmaceutical Society spokesperson added:
"Pharmacists are ideally placed to convey this
information, for example, letting people know how to treat
symptoms of coughs and colds as well as how long symptoms may
last. I see the impact of serious infections in hospital. Patients
and health professionals need to work together to make sure the
antibiotics we have remain effective in treating life threatening illness."
This initiative is being re-launched on EAAD, today. Posters and
leaflets are being distributed throughout the NHS, and
non-prescription information pads are being made available for GPs
to give to patients to explain why antibiotics are not appropriate
for their condition.
Notes to Editors:
1. Patients with colds do not normally need medical advice but
should always consult their GP if they are worried for example, if
they have shortness of breath or if chest pain develops or if they
already have a chest complaint.
2. Antibiotics only work on treating bacterial infections and not
viral infections, such as coughs and colds.
3. EAAD is an annual event held on 18 November. The European
focus this year is on prudent antibiotic prescribing in hospitals
and we have adapted materials for use in England.
4. We are supporting Self Care Week (15-21 November) (www.nhs.uk/selfcare) and
working with the Royal Colleges and professional societies to help
raise awareness.
5. For copies of the campaign materials please visit the
Department of Health website using the following link: www.dh.gov.uk/antibiotics
6. For media queries please call the Department of Health press
office on: 0207 210 5221
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk