Get Well Soon - Without Antibiotics, UK

Main Category: MRSA / Drug Resistance
Also Included In: Compliance;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 05 Feb 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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We must all play a part in conserving antibiotics to help tackle infections

The Government will today launch a national campaign to remind doctors of the problem of antibiotic resistance and make clear to patients that antibiotics will not get rid of the common cold.

Almost a decade after the original national public education campaign to discourage over-use of antibiotics, the Government has warned that resistance is still on the increase and action is necessary to preserve the efficacy of the drugs that we have.

Chief Medical Officer, Liam Donaldson said:

"Antibiotic resistance is becoming more common and in recent years fewer new antibiotics have been discovered. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections but all colds and most coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses so cannot be cured with antibiotics.

"The more we take antibiotics when they are not necessary, the more bacteria will become resistant to them. We must all play a part in conserving antibiotics as a valuable clinical resource. Patients can take other remedies to help relieve the symptoms of a cough or cold. Their pharmacist is well placed to give them advice."

Patients sometimes request antibiotics from doctors 'just in case'. But bacteria adapt and find ways to survive the effects of an antibiotic, becoming 'antibiotic resistant'. The more we use an antibiotic, the more likely it is that bacteria will become resistant to it. This can lead to antibiotics becoming less effective at fighting infections

If a patient is prescribed antibiotics they should not stop taking them as soon as the symptoms fade. Antibiotics should be taken as prescribed and the course should be finished, unless a doctor or pharmacist advises otherwise. Antibiotic resistance is more likely to develop if antibiotics are not taken regularly or taken in too low a dose.

Adverts will appear in national newspapers and magazines. Posters and leaflets will also be placed in GPs surgeries and pharmacies.

Notes:

1. Copies of the posters and leaflets can be found at http://www.nhs.uk/antibiotics

2. Patients are advised to see a doctor if

- a cough lasts more than three weeks,
- shortness of breath or chest pains develop,
- if they already have a chest complaint.

Patients should also see a doctor if you are worried about symptoms.

3. The last national public education campaign was launched by the Chief Medical Officer in October 1999. This was based on the cartoon character "Andybiotic".

4. In 2006/7 the NHS spent 175.8million on antibiotics prescribed in the community. This does not include antibiotics prescribed in hospitals.

5. On 8th January 2008, DH launched the strategy 'Clean, safe care' to provide guidance on infection control and cleanliness in the NHS. Supported by extra funding of £270 million per year by 2010/11, The funding will allow local organisations to invest up to £45m on additional specialist staff which could include antimicrobial pharmacists.

http://www.dh.gov.uk