Taking antibiotics for the wrong reasons or incorrectly can cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotic treatments. So when you do need antibiotics in the future they may no longer work.
Antibiotics do not work against infections, such as colds caused by viruses. The best way to treat most colds, coughs or sore throats is to drink plenty of fluids and rest.
If you are not sure what to use to relieve cold and flu symptoms seek help from your pharmacist. If the symptoms persist and you are concerned contact your GP, but you shouldn’t automatically expect to be prescribed antibiotics.
Dr Jim Gardner, NHS Lancashire medical director, said: “Antibiotics are a crucial part of our armoury against bacterial infections. Of course, prevention is better than cure, so appropriate immunisation, good hygiene and first aid of skin wounds are important too.
“We need to use antibiotics carefully because like any medicine they can cause serious side-effects if used incorrectly and their over-use leads to bacterial resistance which renders them less and less effective when they are really needed.”
Ways to avoid antibiotic resistance:
• Only use antibiotics when they are needed
• Complete prescribed courses of antibiotics
• Don’t share courses of antibiotics with others
• Don’t keep antibiotics for later use
