World Antibiotic Awareness Week

World Antibiotic Awareness Week

The 18th November is European Antibiotic Awareness Day marking the start of World Antibiotic Awareness Week (18 – 24^th November). Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is still one of the biggest threats facing us globally and locally which remains as important as ever during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The misuse of antibiotics during COVID-19 pandemic could lead to accelerated emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.  

To help stop the spread of antibiotic resistance promote simple measures that can make a huge difference:

Promote good hand hygiene- it’s not just for COVID. Download at: http://antibioticguardian.com/Resources/hand-washing-technique/

Self-care information and fact sheets are available to download from theself-care forum on COVID 19, cough, common cold, sore throat and otitis media (middle ear infection) amongst others. See http://www.selfcareforum.org/fact-sheets/ for the full range of fact sheets.

Antibiotics should not be used to prevent or treat viral infections, unless bacterial infections are also present. Refer patients to Pharmacy First service if appropriate for winter illnesses.               

Download the free MICROGUIDE app via the App store or Google Play (select ‘Northern Ireland Primary Care’ when prompted for trust) or for Desktop PC at NI formulary

If we act now, we can protect the use of antibiotics so that they will continue to work now and well into the future. To become an antibiotic guardian, go to https://antibioticguardian.com for more information.