Beat Winter bugs naturally
Two million fewer prescriptions for antibiotics were issued last year, helping to limit the drug resistance that makes many everyday infections increasingly hard to treat. But there’s even more we can do to stop the rise of superbugs, as the latest advice shows:
◆ Vaccines prevent infection taking hold, which is why experts are campaigning for their wider use. FOR NOW Have a flu jab, if you’re entitled to one, to protect against secondary infection. Encourage loved ones to have the meningitis W vaccination (for teenagers) or pneumonia shots (for over-65s).
◆ Probiotics fight bad bacteria in the gut, which is host to 70% of the body’s immune system – and one recent study found they halved the risk of the superbug c.diff. FOR NOW The jury’s out on self-medicating with probiotics, so try eating more fermented foods (such as live yogurt, tempeh and miso) instead.
◆ Faster tests. By 2020, tests that identify bacteria in minutes rather than days should be compulsory before antibiotics are prescribed, say experts. FOR NOW Expect to wait for results and to stop taking the tablets if no bacteria are found.
◆ Cleaner meat. The EU has strict rules limiting antibiotics in farming, so it’s less of a worry in Europe. FOR NOW If you’re still concerned, shop for antibiotic-free pork, available in supermarkets soon.