What is antibiotic resistance? Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to common antibiotics used to kill them, meaning the antibiotics do not work as well and makes infections much more difficult to treat.
It is really important that we only take antibiotics when they are needed and take them as prescribed by the GP to help keep antibiotics working for the future.
When are antibiotics necessary?
Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or certain ear infections. However, many common illnesses, including colds, flu, coughs, and most sore throats, are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not kill viruses and using them unnecessarily can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Vaccinations have an important role to play in reducing antibiotic resistance, by preventing illness’s and the need for antibiotics. Making sure you and your family are up to date with all maternal, childhood and seasonal vaccinations will help to protect you and your family against potentially serious diseases such as measles, whooping cough, RSV and flu.
If you or your child is not up to date with your vaccinations, please contact the surgery.
