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Get better without using antibiotics

This information explains the need to get the right treatment for common illnesses such as colds and coughs without encouraging antibiotic resistance.

The information is also available in the following leaflet:

Select a section

How should I treat my cold?

Question

How should I treat my cold?

Answer

The best way to treat most colds, coughs or sore throats is to drink plenty of fluids and rest. Colds can last about two weeks and may end with a cough and bringing up phlegm. There are many over the counter remedies to ease the symptoms – paracetamol, for example. Ask your pharmacist for advice. If the cold lasts more than three weeks, or you become breathless or have chest pains, or already have a chest complaint, see your doctor.

But what about my children, they’re always getting coughs and colds?

Question

But what about my children, they’re always getting coughs and colds?

Answer

It’s very common for children to get coughs and colds, especially when they go to school and mix with other children. Ask your pharmacist for advice. If the symptoms persist and you are concerned, see your doctor but you shouldn’t necessarily expect to be prescribed antibiotics.

What are antibiotics?

Question

What are antibiotics?

Answer

Antibiotics are important medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria.Bacteria can adapt and find ways to survive the effects of an antibiotic. They become ‘antibiotic resistant’ so that the antibiotic no longer works. The more often we use an antibiotic, the more likely it is that bacteria will become resistant to it. Some bacteria that cause infections in hospitals such as MRSA are resistant to several antibiotics.

Why should antibiotics not be used to treat coughs and colds?

Question

Why should antibiotics not be used to treat coughs and colds?

Answer

Viral infections are much more common than bacterial infections. All colds and most coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not work against infections, such as colds, caused by viruses.

Why can’t other antibiotics be used instead?

Question

Why can’t other antibiotics be used instead?

Answer

They can, but they may not be as effective, and they may have more side-effects. And eventually the bacteria will become resistant to them too. We cannot be sure we will always be able to find new antibiotics to replace the old ones. In recent years fewer new antibiotics have been discovered.

How can antibiotic resistance be avoided?

Question

How can antibiotic resistance be avoided?

Answer

By using antibiotics less often we can slow down the development of resistance. It’s not possible to stop it completely but slowing it down stops resistance spreading and buys some time to develop new types of antibiotics.

What can I do about antibiotic resistance?

Question

What can I do about antibiotic resistance?

Answer

By only using antibiotics when it’s appropriate to do so. We now know that most coughs and colds get better just as quickly without antibiotics. When they are prescribed, the complete course should be taken in order to get rid of the bacteria completely. If the course isn’t completed some bacteria may be left to develop resistance.

So when will I be prescribed antibiotics?

Question

So when will I be prescribed antibiotics?

Answer

When it’s appropriate. Your doctor will only prescribe antibiotics when you need them, for example for a kidney infection or pneumonia. Antibiotics may be life-saving for infections such as meningitis. By not using them unnecessarily, they are more likely to work when we need them.

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