
22/11/2022
This is Antibiotic Awareness Week.
Antibiotic are only effective for treating bacterial infections. Many common infections are viral and require time and supportive treatment while your body fights the infection.
If antibiotics are used unnecessarily it can lead to antibiotic resistance, which means that if we need to use these antibiotics in the future to treat a bacterial infection they may not work as well or at all.
When you are started on a course of antibiotics it is important that you complete the full course prescribed, even if you are feeling better after a few days. This also helps prevent resistance when the antibiotic is used again in the future.
If you have a viral infection rest, stay well hydrated and use over the counter medication such as paracetamol for symptom control for a few days. If you are not improving or have any concerns that you may have a bacterial infection make an appointment to see your GP.