Keep antibiotics working
When you are unwell and need antibiotics, you want them to work.
However, infections that resist antibiotics are becoming more common. This is because we are not using antibiotics correctly and are using them too much.
If you get an antibiotic resistant infection, antibiotics are less likely to work. The bacteria causing the infection can resist the medicine that is meant to kill them. This is called antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Antibiotic resistant infections can be serious, leading to a stay in hospital or even death.
To keep antibiotics working and protect our own and other people’s health, we should:
- not take antibiotics for colds and flu – they won’t help because these illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria
- only take antibiotics when prescribed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist and take them exactly as directed to make sure they are effective
- never save leftover antibiotics for later or share them with others. Take any leftovers to a pharmacy for proper disposal.
Find out how you can treat common conditions and minor illnesses yourself.
Stop infections from spreading
You can also help by:
- taking up the vaccinations you are eligible for
- practising good hygiene like washing your hands and using tissues to catch coughs and sneezes
Learn more
Find out more about the national campaign to keep antibiotics working.
Find out more about antibiotics including when and how to use them on the NHS website.