HEALTH bosses are challenging Redditch people to become ‘superheroes’ in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
In support of European Antibiotics Awareness Day (Friday 18 November), doctors at Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group want to remind patients of the importance of only taking antibiotics when necessary.
They say with infections from antibiotic resistant bacteria increasing and fewer new antibiotics being developed it is becoming more difficult to treat infections.
To help slow down and prevent the development and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, patients are encouraged to think about the medicines they are requesting and to remember the following advice:
· Antibiotics are important medicines and should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor or other health professional when they believe it is appropriate
· Complete the prescribed course, because not taking the full course encourages the emergence of resistance
· Antibiotics cannot treat infections caused by viruses, such as common colds or flu, because antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections
· Each antibiotic only works against specific types of bacteria, and health professionals are best placed to establish your needs with the available medicines
· Patients shouldn’t share their antibiotics with anyone else because they are prescribed for them only
· Resistant bacteria can spread from person to person.
Top pharmacist Danielle Clark said: “It’s important that patients use antibiotics in the right way ensuring they are only taken when needed to treat specific bacterial infections. Antibiotics can’t help treat colds or flu, in the majority of cases plenty of rest at home and staying well hydrated is the best course of action.”
