To help patients, visitors and public understand
more about antibiotic prescribing we have produced a leaflet (see
below). This is what the
leaflet
says:
WHAT ARE ANTIBIOTICS?
Antibiotics are
medicines that help fight serious infection caused by
bacteria but don’t cure infections caused
viruses.
WHAT ARE VIRAL INFECTIONS?
Viral infections
are very common. They include all colds and flu, and are also
responsible for some cases of diarrhoea and many infections of the
nose, sinuses, ears and throat.
WHAT IF I HAVE AN INFECTION?
Your body can
clear most infections in which case antibiotics do little to speed
up recovery. However, there are times when antibiotics are useful.
Doctors are skilled at checking you over and will prescribe
antibiotics only if you really need them.
CAN I HAVE ANTIBIOTICS JUST IN
CASE?
It is not
advisable as antibiotics can cause side effects, such as diarrhoea
and vomiting, rashes and sometimes even life threatening allergic
reaction. They can also interfere with other medicines you may be
taking like the oral contraceptive pill and warfarin. Overuse can
also cause antibiotic resistance.
WHY IS
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
A
PROBLEM?
Each time an
antibiotic is used there is an increased chance of ‘resistance’
developing. Antibiotics are
becoming less
effective at fighting infections because bacteria adapt and find
ways to survive, some bacteria, such as MRSA, are now resistant
more quickly when antibiotics are used too often or are not used
correctly.
EACH
TIME AN ANTIBIOTIC IS USED
THERE IS AN INCREASED CHANCE
OF RESISTANCE
DEVELOPING
BUT
COLDS ALWAYS GO TO MY CHEST.
SURELY I
NEED AN ANTIBIOTIC THEN?
Generally not. If
you are normally well, your immune (defence) system will help you
recover usually within
10-14 days.
However you need to see your doctor if your cough lasts more than
three weeks, if you become short of breath or develop chest pains,
or you already have a serious medical condition.
MY
CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS GETTING
INFECTIONS. WHAT SHOULD I
DO?
Children often
get coughs, colds and ear infections, but they usually fight these
successfully on their own.
Speak to your
community pharmacist who will be able to offer professional advice.
You can also get
advice from your
doctor but don’t routinely expect a
prescription for an antibiotic as usually these symptoms are caused
by viruses.
ANTIBIOTICS
MUST ONLY BE USED
WHEN REALLY
NEEDED
IF AN
ANTIBIOTIC IS NOT THE ANSWER
WHAT
IS?
Speak to your
local pharmacist. Medication such as paracetomol or an
over-the-counter cold remedy may
help ease your
symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids and rest if you have a
temperature. Washing your hands
regularly with
soap and water will help stop the spread of infection.
WHEN CAN
I EXPECT TO BE
GIVEN
ANTIBIOTICS?
Antibiotics are
used to treat serious bacterial infections not
viruses. If you receive a prescription
for antibiotics
it is important to complete the full course of
treatment.
WASHING
YOUR HANDS REGULARLY
WITH SOAP AND WATER WILL
HELP STOP THE
SPREAD OF INFECTION
IF I AM
GIVEN ANTIBIOTICS WHY DO
I NEED TO COMPLETE THE
COURSE?
It is important
to complete a prescribed course of antibiotics as this can be the
reason for the development of antibiotic resistance.
WHAT CAN
I EXPECT FROM
MY
DOCTOR?
No
prescription
Your doctor may
feel that your infection is viral and will clear over time on its
own. You may be
given advice
regarding self help as mentioned in this leaflet. If you feel your
symptoms are getting
worse do go back
and see the doctor.
Delayed
prescription
Your doctor may
offer you a delayed prescription. If this is the case this will
involve you going back
to the surgery in
a few days time to collect a prescription if your symptoms are not
improving.
You will be given
information regarding what this involves and also offered self help
advice.
Prescription
Your doctor may
feel that your infection is bacterial and may give you a course of
antibiotics.
It is important
to take all the antibiotics you are given. Don’t save some of the
medicine for the
next time you are
sick as this may increase the chance of antibiotic resistance in
the future.
Remember
• Many common
infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not kill
viruses
• Overuse of
antibiotics, can make them less effective. They should only be
given when they are really needed
• Antibiotics can
often cause side effects such as making you feel sick and may
also give you diarrhoea
• Your community
pharmacist can recommend medication to help ease your
symptoms
• Don’t routinely
expect a prescription for an antibiotic.
