Against colds and flu, there's nothing antibiotics can do

The Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPA) is encouraging the public to take this message on board in a campaign which highlights that taking antibiotics for conditions such as colds and flu will have no effect and that over-using them is making them less effective in fighting serious bacterial infections.

The campaign has been timed to coincide with the increase in demand for antibiotics which arises with the onset of winter colds, flu and sore throats and includes television advertising which will be broadcast from today (14 December) until the end of January 2005.

Research commissioned by the HPA in 2003 found that more than three quarters of GPs (78%) felt the single most helpful thing that would support them in reducing the level of antibiotic prescribing was a public information campaign to discourage patient demand.

Dr David Johnston from Maine Medical Practice, said: "Antibiotics do not fight viral infections such as a colds, coughs or flu, nor are they beneficial for curing a sore throat, ear or sinusitis yet many people expect to receive an antibiotic for these conditions. Going to the local chemist and asking about the normal over the counter remedies would be the best way to tackle these minor ailments. Antibiotics can be life-saving when it comes to serious bacterial infections, such as kidney infections, pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning."

Dr Johnston continued: "It is vital that antibiotics are used carefully so they can remain as powerful as possible. We know that antibiotics are becoming less effective at fighting infections because bacteria are crafty and can adapt to find ways of building up resistance to the antibiotic action. The campaign stresses that by taking antibiotics only when necessary we can ensure they remain as effective as possible."

Research commissioned by the HPA on antibiotic use revealed that of those surveyed two out of five had taken antibiotics in the 12 months prior to the survey; young people (16 - 24 years) used antibiotics the most and were also least likely to finish the recommended course. People entitled to free prescriptions also had high antibiotic use, followed closely by mothers with young children.

A poster and copies of an information leaflet have also been produced as part of this campaign and will be distributed to all GP practices and pharmacies to coincide with the television advertising. The posters and leaflets can also be obtained through the Central Health Promotion Resource Service in each Health and Social Services Board area.

END

Notes to the editor
The television advertising will run from 14 December until 31 January 2005.

The campaign is the first phase of public information work commissioned by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and is one of the actions identified in the DHSSPS's Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan (AMRAP). The second phase of the campaign will commence in the New Year and will focus on hand washing.

For more information about AMRAP go to www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/foi/Strategies&Action

The DHSSPS commissioned the HPA to initiate a study which would form the development of a public information campaign to address expectations and usage of antibiotics as well as increase knowledge about antibiotics. The research took place in spring 2003.

For further information
Contact Jenny Dougan on 028 9031 1611 / 9031 1514.