Keep Antibiotics working!

13 November 2017

Written by: Public Health team

Council statements and updates - Health and Wellbeing

Antibiotics are essential medicines for treating bacterial infections in both humans and animals. However we all sometimes use antibiotics inappropriately which contributes to ‘antibiotic resistance’.

The Bacteria, by finding ways to survive the effects of antibiotics, become resistant so that the antibiotics no longer work. The more we use an antibiotic, the more bacteria become resistant to it.

How does this affect you?

Antibiotics resistance means that it becomes more difficult to cure bacterial infections. A simple bug can lead to severe illness or even death. Without effective antibiotics many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous. Setting broken bones, basic operations, even chemotherapy and animal health all rely on access to antibiotics that work.

This can affect anyone. At least 5,000 people die every year in England because antibiotics no longer work for some infections (Public Health England press release, 24 October 2017).

How can you help?

Become an antibiotic guardian – you can contribute to slowing bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics by reducing the excessive use of antibiotics!

Take action by choosing one simple pledge here. Your action could help to ensure that these vital medicines continue working and saving lives.

World Antibiotic Awareness Week, 13-19 November 2017

Learn how to handle antibiotics with care and find out more about World Antibiotic Awareness Week on the World Health Organization (WHO) website

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