Antibiotics are important medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria.  Bacteria can adapt and find ways to survive the effects of an antibiotic. They become 'antibiotic resistant' 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. Some bacteria that cause infections in hospitals, such as MRSA, are resistant to several antibiotics.

 

Taking antibiotics when you don't need them means they are less likely to work for you in the future.

 

This leaflet (pdf) provides an introduction to antibiotic resistance.

Antibiotics are some of our most precious medicines - you can help protect antibiotics by taking the following simple actions:

• Only use antibiotics when you really need them
• Don't ask for antibiotics to treat viral cough, cold, flu or coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms
• Always follow instructions from your healthcare professional
• Never share antibiotics
• Always return any unused antibiotics to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
• Make a pledge to become an antibiotic guardian

Find out more about how you can make better use of antibiotics and help keep this vital treatment effective by visiting and pledging at www.antibioticguardian.com