Think you need of a course of antibiotics? Claire Muffett-Reece reveals why it might not necessarily be the case
There were an estimated 66,730 serious antibiotic-resistant infections in 2023, compared to 62,314 in 2019
(UK Health Security Agency)
37% of pharmacists were aware of patients regularly hoarding antibiotics for a later date
(The Guardian)
“Did you know antibiotics are no longer used to treat certain infections – and if you take them too often you’re increasing the risk of you becoming resistant”
“Overusing antibiotics is serious – so it’s time to take action”
Antibiotics: we’ve all had to take them at one stage or another. Used to treat a bacterial infection you’re suffering from – or to prevent one occurring in the first place – they work by eradicating or stopping the spread of bacteria that’s causing you discomfort or pain. But did you know antibiotics are no longer used to treat certain infections – and if you take them too often you’re increasing the risk of you becoming resistant? Read on for why it’s important to understand if you actually need a course in the first place.
WHERE IT BEGAN
Antibiotics were accidentally discovered in 1928 by scientist Alexander Fleming, who, after returning from holiday, noticed that penicillin fungus had stopped the growth of bacteria in an uncovered petri dish. Before antibiotics began being used, even a minor infection like a paper cut had the potential to harm – or even kill through infection occurring. From then on various other types were discovered, including the now well heard of amoxicillin, erythromycin and trimethoprim. These are categorised into ones used for a wide range of problems; such as penicillin for skin, chest and urinary tract infections or those typically prescribed for one particular ailment, an example being fidaxomicin, used to treat C. difficile-associated diarrhoea. But don’t automatically think you’ll be prescribed antibiotics if you have any of the above – or even if you’re suffering from another illness, as you’ll discover below.
WHERE WE ARE NOW
Visiting your GP if you’ve a sinus infection to be given antibiotics? Wrong: many mild bacterial infections get better on their own including the above, as well as chest infections, children’s ear infections and sore throats. They also don’t work for viral infections, like cold, flu and most coughs. You do, however, tend to be prescribed antibiotics if certain issues don’t clear up within a certain amount of time, such as your GP asking you to wait 48 hours in case cystitis goes away on its own. In certain situations antibiotics are prescribed to prevent rather than treat the infection in case a problem arises: a bite, wound or operation you’ve had could become infected, or you’ve a weakened immune system due to having your spleen removed, or are undergoing chemotherapy. Just be sure to tell your doctor about any health conditions, medicines you’re taking, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, to ensure they provide the right course for you.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Taking antibiotics can incur side effects, from mild symptoms to something serious, so always read the leaflet that comes with your course to know what signs to look out for. Your GP, as well as your local pharmacist, will also inform you how to take them, as well as what to avoid while doing so, as some antibiotics don’t mix well with other medicines such as the contraceptive pill, or a recreational activity like consuming alcohol. Common side effects include sickness, bloating, indigestion and diarrhoea, which, although irritating, are not considered a worry depending on their severity. However, you could have an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, typically penicillin and cephalosporins, which in rare cases can be serious and deemed a medical emergency. Call 999 or go to A&E if you experience a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin; are wheezing; experience tightness in your chest or throat; are having trouble breathing or talking; or your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling.
WHEN THEY STOP WORKING
Using antibiotics is not to be sniffed at – as stated above they eliminate a host of bacterial infections that once led to serious complications and even death. But over-using them can lead to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) where a course becomes less effective, as well as the emergence of superbugs; strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to many antibiotic types, including MRSA and multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis. Want an alarming statistic? In 2021 alone, AMR directly caused 1.14 million deaths worldwide, while between 2025 and 2050 it could claim an additional 39 million lives worldwide. That’s why the Department of Health & Social Care has introduced a much needed “keep antibiotics working” campaign. Fronted by their mascot ‘Andi Biotic’, its aim is to make people aware of the correct and incorrect ways to use antibiotics. Considering AMR costs the NHS £95 million a year, it’s vital you understand – and follow – these three vital steps:
- Don’t take antibiotics for colds and flu. They won’t help because these illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
- Never save antibiotics for later use. They may not work properly and could make the problem worse.
- When prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed by your GP, nurse or pharmacist.
Why follow the above? Because you may well find yourself becoming antimicrobial resistant. And could even lose a friend or family member because they were unaware of the complications that can arise from taking antibiotics when they weren’t needed; using them later than prescribed; or not listening to their GP, nurse or pharmacist on how to properly take them. Overusing antibiotics is serious – so it’s time to take action.
