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Imagine a world where antibiotics don’t work.

In 30 years this could be our reality. Simple infections that we can treat right now could become deadly. Antibiotic resistance is a real health emergency and is becoming the biggest threat to health worldwide.
It’s time to take antibiotic resistance seriously. Let’s keep antibiotics working for everyone.

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are used to treat serious bacterial infections. They kill bacteria or prevent them from spreading. But they do not work for everything. Many mild infections, including those that aren’t caused by bacteria, can get better on their own without antibiotics.

What is antibiotic resistance?

This is when germs like bacteria can defeat the antibiotics designed to kill them. The overuse of antibiotics has made them less effective and has led to the emergence of “superbugs”.

What can we do about it?

We all need to worry about antibiotic resistance. Even if you have never taken them before, there will come a time when you may need them. By then they might no longer work. Here are four things we can all do to help stop antibiotic resistance:

Join the movement
  1. Never store or save antibiotics for another time
  2. Never share antibiotics with others
  3. Take antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional
  4. Never demand antibiotics, follow the advice of a healthcare professional

Antibiotics don’t work for everything: common infections

Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection. They work by killing bacteria or stopping them spreading. But they don’t work for everything and they don’t work against viruses. Find out more about antibiotics and common infections.

common infections
  1. Chest infections
  2. Colds & flu
  3. Coughs
  4. Ear infections in adults and children (over 1 year old)
  5. Ear infections in children under 1 year old
  6. Urinary tract infections
  7. Sore throats

Antibiotics cannot usually treat…

Chest infections. Flu. Sore throats. Chest infections. Flu. Sore throats. Chest infections. Flu. Sore throats.
Coughs. Colds. Ear infections. Coughs. Colds. Ear infections. Coughs. Colds. Ear infections. Coughs. Colds. Ear infections.

Help keep antibiotics working: Join the movement

By taking antibiotics seriously we can keep them working for future generations. Together we can fight antibiotic resistance. Join the movement.

Join the movement
  1. I’m an individual. What can I do?

    We all have a part to play to keep antibiotics working. Find out more…
  2. I’m a healthcare professional. What can I do?

    Tools and resources for doctors, dentists, nurses and community pharmacists to raise awareness with patients…
  3. I work in education. What can I do?

    Help us educate the next generation about self-care and germs to make sure good practice starts young…
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