Did you know that the effectiveness of medicines we rely on to treat infections is under threat? This is due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health concern that could impact our ability to treat common illnesses.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance?
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat. This has serious implications for future healthcare.
AMR Affects Everyone. It’s crucial that we all understand how to use antibiotics responsibly to help slow down the development of resistance and safeguard these vital treatments.
Simple Steps to Help Keep Antibiotics Working
Here’s what you can do to make a difference:
- Skip antibiotics for colds and flu. These are caused by viruses, and antibiotics won’t work. Let your body’s natural defences do their job
- Talk to your pharmacist for minor ailments. They can provide expert advice and recommend over-the-counter solutions to ease your symptoms
- Only take antibiotics prescribed specifically for you by a healthcare professional
- Always finish the entire course of antibiotics as directed, even if you start feeling better. Stopping early can allow some bacteria to survive and become resistant
- Never share your antibiotics with anyone else
- Return any unused antibiotics to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. Don’t save them for later
- Practice good hygiene, especially regular hand washing, to prevent infections from spreading and reduce the need for antibiotics
- Stay up to date with your vaccinations to protect against infections that might otherwise require antibiotic treatment.
Let’s work together to protect the power of antibiotics for ourselves and future generations.
Where can you find out more?
For more information on AMR in Northern Ireland, please visit the Public Health Agency website.
You can also become an Antibiotic Guardian by making a pledge.
The World Health Organisation has much more information about AMR.