NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is supporting World Antibiotics Awareness Week (14-19 November) to promote awareness to the public and healthcare professionals around the overuse and responsible use of antibiotics.

The week highlights the threat to public health of antibiotic resistance and promotes appropriate antibiotic use. This threat is growing as the latest data confirms that people are becoming more resistant to antibiotics. 

Taking antibiotics when you don’t need to can lead to antibiotic resistance, which is when bacteria find ways to survive the effects of an antibiotic so that the antibiotic no longer works. The more often we use an antibiotic, the more likely it is that bacteria will become resistant to it.

NHS Sheffield CCG’s Head of Medicines Management, Gary Barnfield, commented:

“The improper use of antibiotics is becoming an increasingly important public health issue. It is really important for people to understand how to use antibiotics safely and effectively.

“Antibiotics do not work on the viruses that cause many common conditions such as coughs, colds and sore throats, and these usually just get better on their own.

“If people are feeling unwell with these conditions, they can receive excellent advice from their community pharmacist. In many cases taking simple remedies such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and cold and flu products will provide relief from symptoms such as aches and pains. People are also advised to take lots of rest by staying at home and drinking plenty of fluids.”

A visit to your GP is advised if your symptoms persist or get worse after 7 days for an adult or 5 days for a child or baby, if you are pregnant or if you have another underlying health condition.

You can encourage the responsible use of antibiotics by signing up to become an Antibiotic Guardian at www.antibioticguardian.com.

Visit www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk/your-health  for more information on how to manage your health and choosing the right services for you this winter.