NHS trust offers antibiotic advice as winter begins
NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW have highlighted the importance of reducing the use of antibiotics where appropriate to ensure they work when needed; the trust using World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) to promote this message to residents across the region as preparations begin for the winter periods.
WAAW is an event that helps to raise awareness about antibiotic resistance and why reducing our use of such medicines is important to everybody. It is celebrated every year from November 18 to 24 with this year’s theme being “Educate. Advocate. Act now”; which has been backed by GPS, Consultants, Specialists and Leaders at all levels.
Chief Pharmacist Neil Hardy said: “If you, or your child, become unwell with a viral infection this winter, such as a cold, a stomach bug or most sore throats and coughs, antibiotics won’t help you get better quicker. These infections usually get better on their own with rest, fluids and over-the-counter remedies.”
“Antibiotics are essential for treating or preventing certain bacterial infections, for example during cancer treatments or routine operations, and it is so important we save them for when they are really needed. Overuse of antibiotics means that the bacteria can become resistant, and antibiotics stop working. This resistance not only impacts the person with the infection, but also their family, friends, and potentially the whole population.”
“Resistant bacteria, including “superbugs” like MRSA and Clostridium difficile, are so dangerous because antibiotics don’t always work on them. They are spread by surface contact and person-to-person contact, so washing our hands regularly for 20 seconds or more with soap and water (especially before eating, after going to the toilet, and after coughing/sneezing) is very important.”
Readers can take steps to reduce the risks of illnesses over the winter including regular handwashing and checking that they have had all their immunisations, as well as their families. They are also advised to catch coughs / sneezes in a tissue before binning them and take the advice of GPs; particularly when being prescribed with antibiotics. People should further only take antibiotics when needed and mustn’t share with others as this could cause issues; but they are reminded that they should phone 999 or 111 in the case of an emergency.
More information on common infections and symptoms of a serious illness can be found via the NHS website, whilst parents and young people can also find a wealth of winter health advice on many common conditions on the Healthier Together website or by downloading the app. A short animation about Healthier Together can further be found here: Advice for parents or carers of children aged 0-5 years
A poster for parents, carers and children regarding World Antimicrobial Week 2024 can be found here whilst information about keeping ‘Winter Strong’ is also online,
PICTURED BY NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW: Pharmacist stocks the shelf as local NHS mark awareness week of antibiotic resistance.
