Use antibiotics only if you really do need them
HEALTH chiefs in Worcestershireshire have launched a campaign about the misuse of antibiotics which can leave some people open to potentially dangerous infections.
Their aim is to educate patients about the correct use of antibiotics. Worcestershire Primary Care Trust bosses say GPs are often under enormous pressure to prescribe drugs which are not appropriate for the illness.
Thousands of posters and leaflets are being sent out to GP surgeries and comm-unity pharmacies across Worcestershire. They will explain how antibiotics will not cure colds, most coughs and most sore throats and how “bugs” can build up a resistance to antibiotics and overuse can make them ineffective.
The campaign uses a cartoon detective – Moxy Malone – to illustrate how antibiotics cannot be used on a virus such as a common cold.
Dr Richard Harling, director of public health at Worcestershire PCT, said: “Some patients believe that antibiotics offer a ‘cure all’ remedy for every illness and ask for antibiotics when they are not needed. It’s really important that we give people clear information about antibiotics as many people just aren’t aware that they don’t work on viruses which cause coughs and colds.
“Also, overuse of antibiotics can make them less effective when they are really needed. ”
Prescribing antibiotics when they are not needed may make people more vulnerable to other illnesses.
Patients who have been treated with broad spectrum antibiotics are those most at risk of infection.
Non-prescription pads have also been produced for GPs and pharmacists to hand to patients to provide advice on how to manage their cough and cold symptoms, when they are not prescribed antibiotics.
Dr Harling said: “Antibiotics, when used appropriately, save many lives but using them when they aren’t necessary can leave people susceptible to other infections – such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
“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 a doctor or pharmacist advises otherwise.”
The campaign will remind patients and GPs that antibiotics will not get rid of colds, most coughs and most sore throats and that overuse of them can increase the spread of antibiotic resistant infections such as C. diff.
GPs will also be reminded that inappropriate prescribing must be cut to delay the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.