WEDNESDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Advice to support European Antibiotic Awareness Day

NHS Tayside is supporting European Antibiotic Awareness Day on Friday, 18 November with simple advice for the public on how to avoid untreatable infections and the need for antibiotics.

Hazel Steele, Antimicrobial Pharmacist with NHS Tayside said, “Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing us today as without effective antibiotics, many infections will become increasingly difficult to treat. Overuse of antibiotics causes bacteria to change and develop resistance, making infections harder to treat.”

There are simple things we can all do to reduce the risk of untreatable infections affecting ourselves, our families and our friends:

Hand washing - Wash our hands regularly with soap and water. Washing hands properly (at least 30 seconds) especially before eating, is the single best way to prevent the spread of infections and keep your family healthy.

Vaccinations - If the NHS offers you or your family vaccinations, accepting them will reduce the risk of serious infections.

Feeling unwell? Ask for advice to help you feel better. Our bodies are good at fighting off many infections on their own, including coughs, colds and sore throats. Symptoms can be very unpleasant but are often not helped or shortened by antibiotics. Visit your local pharmacy for advice on managing your symptoms while you are feeling unwell.

Prescriptions for antibiotics - If you are prescribed antibiotics, carefully follow the directions given on the label. They will work best if you take them regularly and don’t miss any doses.

Antibiotics can only safely be prescribed by a health professional (e.g. doctor, dentist or nurse) who has examined you.

• Do not try to buy antibiotics without a prescription

• Do not save antibiotics for later use

• Do not use leftover antibiotics from previous treatments

• Do not share antibiotics with other people

Contact your pharmacist, GP or NHS 24 if you need further advice about your illness.

Contact:

Gaynyr Dickson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740716