Department of Health

Website of the Department of Health

Please note that this website has a UK government access keys system.

You are here:

Campaign to educate on the correct use of antibiotics

  • Last modified date:
    4 February 2008

The Government will today launch a national campaign to remind doctors of the problem of antibiotic resistance, and make clear to patients that antibiotics will not get rid of the common cold.

Almost a decade after the original national public education campaign to discourage over use of antibiotics, the Government has warned that resistance to antibiotics is still on the increase and action is necessary to preserve the efficacy of the drugs that we have.

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections not common viruses

Antibiotics can be effectively used to treat bacterial infections, but not common viruses such as colds, sore throats and the majority of coughs. Over use of antibiotics could reduce the effectiveness that those drugs would have in fighting the bacterial infections they were designed to work against.

Adverts will appear in national newspapers and magazines. Posters and leaflets will also be placed in GP surgeries and pharmacies.

Access keys