The government is urging people to be mindful over use of antibiotics
The UK Health Security Agency is cautioning people against using certain medications to try treating common colds and flu. With the winter season approaching, the agency posted on X stating: “Cold or flu? Antibiotics won’t help you.
“They fight bacteria, not viruses. Help #KeepAntibioticsWorking by only taking them when needed.”
Local chemists can offer additional guidance if you’re uncertain whether your illness might require antibiotics. Using these medicines when it’s not medically essential could render them ineffective due to antimicrobial resistance, referred to as AMR.
This occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms develop to withstand the treatments designed to combat them. This can result in medicines becoming useless, potentially creating more severe infections and complications that will prove more challenging to address.
Alternatively, the NHS recommends that people with cold symptoms get enough rest, fluids and nutritious food to support their recovery. Inhaling steam, such as remaining in the bathroom whilst a hot shower operates, and consuming hot lemon and honey beverages can help relieve a congested nose and painful throat respectively.
Conversely, people suffering from flu should attempt to remain warm, well-hydrated and rested whilst taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce their temperature and help address any other physical discomfort and pain the condition might trigger.
Chemists can provide guidance on products, dosages and other suggestions for people who are presently unwell. In 2023, 66,700 serious infections were found to be resistant to antibiotics, marking an increase from the pre-pandemic figure of 62,314 cases recorded in 2019.
The UKHSA has warned that current projections suggest a terrifying 39 million lives could be lost globally to antibiotic resistance by 2050. This is a significant leap from 2021 when it was believed that 1.14 million deaths worldwide were directly caused by AMR.
However, experts believe this grim future can be avoided with some simple, conscientious steps. They advise: “Don’t take antibiotics for colds and flu – they won’t help because these illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria. If in doubt, go to your local pharmacy for advice.
“Never save antibiotics for later use – they won’t work properly and could make the problem worse. When prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed by your GP, nurse or pharmacist, to make sure they are effective.”
The NHS also highlighted: “The more antibiotics are used to treat trivial conditions, the more likely they are to become ineffective for treating more serious conditions.”
AMR can also lead to the creation of “superbugs”. These bacterial strains develop resistance to many different types of antibiotics and currently include a bacteria that causes multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis.