People with colds and coughs are being reminded that antibiotics are no miracle cure – while using them incorrectly can even make you more vulnerable to other illnesses.

The message comes from experts at HealthEast, the clinical commissioning group for Great Yarmouth and Waveney, in the run up to European Antibiotic Awareness Day on Monday (18 November).

The annual event aims to help educate patients about the correct use of antibiotics, while also spreading the message that they cannot be used to cure colds or most coughs or sore throats.

The day will also highlight the dangers of misusing antibiotics or failing to take a full course when they have been prescribed. Both can increase the resistance which bacteria have to the drugs, which in turn makes them less effective and can also make people more vulnerable to other illnesses, such as clostridium difficile.

Michael Dennis, prescribing advisor with HealthEast, said: “When used correctly, antibiotics are incredibly effective drugs which help fight a variety of bacterial infections.

“However, they simply don’t work on the viruses which cause coughs, colds and other conditions such as earache and sore throats. Lots of people aren’t aware of this, so put pressure on their doctor to prescribe them when they aren’t appropriate.

“We want to use this awareness day to educate people about the correct use of antibiotics and promote more appropriate medications to relive the symptoms of minor illnesses and colds, such as those available from your pharmacist.

“It is also vital to stress that overuse of antibiotics can make people more vulnerable to other illnesses in the long run, and can also mean the medication doesn’t work as well when it really is needed.”

Pharmacists can offer a wide range of advice to help manage the symptoms of coughs and colds, while advice is also available by visiting the HealthEast website, at www.greatyarmouthandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk and clicking on “your health” followed by “germbusters”.

“When used appropriately, antibiotics save many lives,” added Mr Dennis. “But using them when they aren’t necessary can leave people susceptible to other infections, such as clostridium difficile.

“It’s important we raise awareness of the best use of antibiotics so people are sure when they are most effective. If patients are prescribed antibiotics, they should not stop taking them as symptoms get better but finish the course as prescribed, unless their doctor or pharmacist advises otherwise.”

 

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