Both the NHS and health organisations across the world are trying to reduce the use of antibiotics, especially for health problems that are not serious.

For example, antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat:

• chest infections
• ear infections in children
• sore throat

You can help to avoid antibiotic resistance by only taking antibiotics when you really need them, and when they have been recommended for you by a healthcare professional.

If you are prescribed an antibiotic, follow the directions for use carefully and always remember to complete the full recommended course.

Do not expect your doctor to prescribe antibiotics for colds or for most coughs and sore throats. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, but colds and most coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses, so an antibiotic won’t help. There are usually remedies you can take to help relieve the symptoms – ask your local pharmacist for advice.

Some antibiotics are not suitable for people with certain medical conditions, or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should only ever take antibiotics that are prescribed to you – do not ‘borrow’ them from a friend of family member. You are also be prescribed certain antibiotics if you are known to have had an allergic reaction in the past. This is estimated to effect about 1 in 15 people in the UK.

You can find lots more useful information about antibiotics on the NHS UK website including, what they are used for, side effects and more details about antibiotic resistance. You can also watch a short video about antibiotics. When it comes to antibiotics, take your doctor’s advice on whether you need them or not. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem – taking antibiotics when you do not need them can mean they will not work for you in the future.