NHS Western Isles raises awareness of antibiotics

Antibiotic Awareness Day is due to take place on November 18, and NHS Western Isles is raising awareness locally of the importance of the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Antibiotics are important medicines that kill bacteria and can save lives when used for serious infections. However, antibiotics are losing their effectiveness as bacteria develop resistance to them. This means they may no longer work in the future.

“Antibiotic treatment”

NHS Western Isles Medical Director, Dr Jim Ward explained: “Taking antibiotics unnecessarily or not following the dosage instructions correctly can cause bacteria to become resistant. We cannot stop resistance but we can slow it down and stop it getting worse by using antibiotics correctly.

“Antibiotics do not work on infections caused by viruses, such as the common cold or the flu. Most symptoms such as sore throats, earache, coughs and sneezes are caused by viruses that your body fights off by itself and simple measures such as pain relief and fluids are all that are required. Patients with health conditions that could put them at risk of complications such as chronic lung and kidney disease are advised to seek medical advice if their symptoms are not resolving. Doctors will prescribe antibiotic treatment only when it is necessary.”

NHS Western Isles is therefore issuing the following advice:

• Accept your doctors advice when they suggest that antibiotics are not needed
• If antibiotics are issued, complete your course of treatment and follow the dosage instructions.
• Don’t share your antibiotics with anyone else
• Don’t keep antibiotics for use on another occasion
• Don’t purchase antibiotics abroad.

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