Take care not antibiotics
News from our partners, the Clinical Commissioning Groups
Health leaders in Shropshire are reminding us all that we should use antibiotics only when they’re needed, to keep them effective.
Coughs and colds are starting to circulate and many of us may be tempted to visit the GP for antibiotics, but patients are being warned that if they’re not needed, they won’t be prescribed. In fact, 44% of all people who visit the GP suffering from a cold or flu want or think they need antibiotics.
Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Telford and Wrekin CCG issued the advice jointly on behalf of local NHS and social care organisations, as part of the NHS Stay Well This Winter campaign.
Dr Julian Povey, lead GP and clinical director at Shropshire CCG, explained:
“Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections. Bacteria are very smart. They find ways to become immune to the antibiotics that we take, making them less effective and in some cases stopping them working. New antibiotics aren’t being researched and developed, so we have to sensibly use the ones that we have.
“Most sore throats, such as tonsillitis, are viral infections. So taking antibiotics won’t have an effect. The best thing people can do is visit their pharmacist, who can advise on over the counter remedies to ease the symptoms; take plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.”
Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics when they’re used often, if they’re not taken as prescribed, or the course isn’t finished.
Dr Povey added:
“If people don’t finish the course because they feel better, for example, then some of the bacteria can still be in the system. They then mutate and develop a resistance to that antibiotic so that it’s not as effective next time.”
If your cold lasts more than three weeks, or you become breathless or have chest pains, see your doctor or dial NHS111.
You should never share your antibiotics with anyone else because you don’t know their medical history.
For more information about staying well this winter visit www.nhs.uk/staywell.
