Did you know there are some bugs that are resistant to antibiotics? That's the focus of this year's Antibiotic Awareness Week, with a call for everyone to "become an antibiotic resistance fighter".
What is Antibiotic Awareness Week?
Running from 12 to 18 November 2012, Antibiotic Awareness Week is a global health campaign that encourages all of us to learn about antibiotic-resistant superbugs and ensure we take antibiotics safely and effectively.
The week is supported by the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Healthcare, the Australian Society for Antimicrobials, NPS MedicineWise and the Australian Society for Infectious Diseases.
What is Antibiotic Resistance?
According to NPS MedicineWise, when we take antibiotics incorrectly, resistant bacteria grow in our bodies. This in turn makes antibiotics less effective and leads to "one of the biggest threats to human health today".
The message is clear – if you think you need antibiotics, think again. Your immune system is equipped to combat coughs, colds and flu, without the need for medication.
Remember that every time you use antibiotics unnecessarily, you could be making them less effective for times when you do them.
Antibiotics in Australia
Incredibly, Australians are among the highest antibiotic users in the world. Around 19 million prescriptions for antibiotics are given out each year, so it's easy to see why antibiotic resistance is on the rise.
How to Correctly Use Antibiotics
Antibiotic Awareness Week is asking all of us to take the following pledge:
- Don't rely on antibiotics to treat colds and flu
- Only take antibiotics as prescribed
- Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases
NPS hopes to have 35,000 Australians make the pledge, so that our antibiotic use aligns with other countries.
You can find out more about Antibiotic Awareness week on the NPS website.
Originally published on Nov 09, 2012
