World Antimicrobial Awareness Week
“This week is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week and when we’re asked to keep antibiotics working this winter.”
“This means not taking antibiotics when you don’t need to. Overuse can weaken your body’s immunity to disease and prevent them from working.”
“Antibiotics don’t fight off the common cold, flu or COVID-19. Infection prevention measures like good handwashing are always best.”
“There’s more information on the Antibiotic Guardian website including details of how you can take a pledge to think about different ways to protect yourself from illness. Pledges include:”
- “Treating cold and flu symptoms for five days rather than going to the GP”
- “Speaking to a pharmacist rather than visiting the GP”
- “Taking unused antibiotics to a pharmacy for safe disposal”
- “Taking up an offer of a flu vaccine https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/
- “Taking antibiotics exactly as described and never sharing with others.”
“Don’t let antibiotics go viral this winter.”
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week