Health chiefs in plea to help fight antibiotic resistance

NHS Tayside has put out an appeal for people not to use antibiotics if they have a cold or flu.

In a bid to ensure antibiotics continue to be effective, the health board is trying to crack down on patients becoming resistent to the medicine.

Once a person becomes resistant to antibiotics, they are at risk of a more severe or longer illness.

A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said:“Taking antibiotics encourages harmful bacteria that live inside you to become resistant. That means that antibiotics may not work when you really need them.

“This puts you and your family at risk of a more severe or longer illness.

“If you or a family member are feeling unwell, have a cold or flu and you haven’t been prescribed antibiotics, there are some effective self-care ways to help you feel better, such as asking your pharmacist to recommend medicines to help with symptoms or pain, getting plenty of rest, and making sure you or your child drink enough to avoid feeling thirsty. Fever is a sign the body is fighting infection and usually gets better by itself in most cases.

“You can use paracetamol if you or your child are uncomfortable as a result of a fever.

“If you have a cold or flu, make sure to use a tissue for your nose and wash your hands frequently to help avoid spreading your infection to family and friends.”

The spokesperson added:“You should only contact your GP or call 111 if the symptoms of your illness are lasting longer than the average guideline times or you are showing symptoms of serious illness.

“Antibiotics are needed for serious bacterial infections including sepsis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea and meningococcal meningitis.

“For some people with a urinary tract infection or impetigo, it might be possible for you to be treated safely and effectively with antibiotics in your community pharmacy without having to contact your GP.”