New campaign launches in the North West to keep antibiotics working
It is
estimated that 5,000 deaths are caused every year in England
because antibiotics no longer work for some infections - that's 13
people every day1
- Inappropriate use of antibiotics is causing a global epidemic
of antibiotic resistance
- One in four people in the North West has never heard of
antibiotic resistance
Today Public Health England launches a new campaign in the North
West of England informing people that antibiotics don't work for
everything and stressing the importance of taking their doctor's
advice about whether they need them. Taking antibiotics
unnecessarily causes dangerous bacteria to become resistant which
means they may not work when they are really needed.
It is estimated that 5,000 people die each year in England as a
result of antibiotics no longer working for some infections -
that's 13 people every day.1 In around 30 years we could see 60,000
people die every year because antibiotics have stopped helping them
- that's around 160 deaths a day.
However, despite the dangers posed by antibiotic resistance, one
in four people in the North West (23%) has never heard of the
issue.2 Furthermore, 40% of people in the North West don't realise
that if someone has taken antibiotics in the last year, any
infection they get is more likely to be antibiotic resistant.2 If
someone takes antibiotics unnecessarily they are less likely to
work when needed. They can also pass on antibiotic resistant
bacteria to loved ones.
Antibiotics are an important tool for doctors and healthcare
professionals to help treat serious bacterial infections, such as
pneumonia, meningococcal meningitis and sepsis and to help ward off
infections during chemotherapy, caesarean sections and other
surgery. However, antibiotics are being used for everyday viral
infections, such as colds or flu, where they are not effective.
In conjunction with the campaign, a powerful film has been
released by Public Health England which highlights the possible
consequences of failing to take action on antibiotic resistance -
showing a world where treatable common infections, minor injuries
and routine operations might kill once again.
Paul Cosford, Medical Director at Public Health England, said:
"The level of inappropriate antibiotic use in England, and across
the globe is deeply worrying. Not only are these drugs ineffective
against the common cold and other viruses, but taking them
incorrectly may risk your health and potentially the health of
those closest to you.
"It is estimated that 5,000 deaths are caused every year in
England because antibiotics no longer work for some infections.
This campaign aims to warn people of the huge dangers of antibiotic
resistance and help people better understand the best treatment for
them."
Actress, singer and celebrity mum Suzanne Shaw, who is from
Bury, comments: "As a mum, I know how hard it is to see your child
suffering with a cold or flu, and previously my first point of call
would have been the doctor's surgery to request, sometimes quite
forcibly, antibiotics!
"Since learning that these drugs won't work against viral
infections and the very real dangers taking these antibiotics
unnecessarily can cause my children and those around them, I now
listen much more carefully to my doctor or pharmacist's advice, and
urge other parents to do the same."
Dr William Welfare, Consultant in Health Protection, Public
Health England North West, comments: "Incorrectly taking a course
of antibiotics or taking them when you don't need them will not
only diminish the chance of you beating your infection but will
actually work against you, as the antibiotics will be less
effective in fighting the next bacterial infection you get. To keep
antibiotics working for you and your family, always take your
healthcare professionals advice; this can be your doctor, nurse or
pharmacist."
The campaign will run in the Granada region on TV, radio, press
and will be supported by local GP surgeries and pharmacies, social
media and PR. For further information on antibiotic resistance
please search NHS Antibiotics or visit
nhs.uk/keepantibioticsworking.