'Get Well Without Antibiotics' Launched

A new drive to raise antibiotics awareness was launched today to remind the public that antibiotics do not work in treating viral infections such as coughs and colds.

The aim of the campaign is to emphasise the importance of taking antibiotics responsibly by putting an end to their unnecessary use and encouraging people to follow their GP's advice by using antibiotics appropriately.

The inappropriate use of antibiotics has become a serious problem in Europe which is why there is now an annual European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD).

The use of antibiotics gives bacteria the chance to develop resistance which threatens to make antibiotic treatments ineffective. This risk is increased by unnecessary antibiotic use with the need to preserve existing treatments for the future.

Chief Medical Officer (Interim) Professor Dame Sally Davies said: "As the season for coughs and colds approaches, the public are being reminded to 'Get well without antibiotics' because these drugs do not cure most coughs, colds and sore throats.

"The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the risks in taking antibiotics for the wrong reasons, and to keep antibiotics effective for use in future generations."

Professor Steve Field, Chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: "Patients need to know that antibiotics are not always the answer and certainly in the case of coughs and colds they are of little use. It can be very difficult for a GP having a consultation with a patient who expects antibiotics. Many patients think that antibiotics reduce the effects of coughs and colds when in fact these infections will often get better anyway without their use. Plenty of rest and lots of fluids will often help patients fight these infections much more effectively."

(BMcN/GK)