Colds, Flu and ANTIBIOTic resistance Everything you need to know to become an antibiotic resistance fighter

Contents What you need to know about bacteria and disease What are antibiotics and how do they work? Antibiotic resistance: How it happens Why it’s a problem What you can do to help prevent it. This presentation focuses on antibiotic resistance, a growing problem that occurs when an antibiotic medication is no longer effective in treating a particular infection. We will start with a short introduction of bacteria and disease, and the use of antibiotics to treat infections. We will then discuss how antibiotic resistance develops, why it is a problem, and how it can be prevented through appropriate use and effective management of infections.

Bacteria and disease Bacteria are tiny organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye. Most bacteria in the body are harmless and some are beneficial like the native bacteria in our gut that help digestion. Some bacteria can cause infection and disease. Not all infections are caused by bacteria. There are also viral and fungal infections. Learn more here

Antibiotics and how they work Antibiotics work by killing bacteria or stopping them from multiplying. Sometimes they are prescribed before surgery to prevent a bacterial infection from developing. Before the discovery of antibiotics in the 1930s, bacterial infections were often fatal. Learn more here

Antibiotic resistance Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria change to protect themselves from an antibiotic. When this happens, antibiotics that previously would have killed the bacteria, or stopped them from multiplying, no longer work. It’s not a new problem, but more and more species of bacteria are becoming resistant to available antibiotics. Learn more here

Why does resistance develop? Inappropriate use of antibiotics is the major cause of resistance. Examples of inappropriate use are: Using antibiotics to treat non-bacterial disease (like colds and flu) Taking ineffective doses of antibiotics Not taking antibiotics for the correct length of time.

THE BALANCE IS TIPPING Virtually no new antibiotics are being developed This means our pool of available antibiotics that work against resistant bacteria is getting smaller. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts if antibiotic resistance is not slowed there will be a return to pre-antibiotic levels of morbidity and mortality (poor health and death) due to bacterial infections. Learn more here

Consequences of resistance When antibiotics stop working for bacterial disease there can be serious consequences including: Less options for treating serious bacterial infections. Longer and more expensive hospital stays. Increased mortality. More chance that epidemics of disease may develop.

Preventing antibiotic resistance Everyone in the community has an important role in reducing the rate of antibiotic resistance by: Using antibiotics the right way Reducing the spread of infection. Learn more here

Treating common colds and flu needs common sense Common cold and flu are both caused by viruses. Antibiotics won’t help: A cold or flu get better faster Stop a cold or flu getting worse Prevent a cold or flu spreading to other people. Treat the symptoms Rest Drink lots of fluids Learn more here

Prevent the spread of Cold and Flu infections Wash your hands. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of tissues properly. Avoid sharing drinking bottles, cups or utensils. Stay home when you are sick to prevent infecting others.

Questions To ask your doctor If you are wondering whether you need an antibiotic: Would an antibiotic help me get better sooner? What can I do to manage my symptoms? How soon should I start to feel better? Do I need to come back to see you? If you are prescribed an antibiotic: Why do I need to take an antibiotic? How often and for how long do I need to take it? Do I need to keep it in the fridge?

Things to remember Antibiotic resistance is everyone’s problem and we all play a part in reducing it. Antibiotics don’t treat viral (e.g. cold and flu) or fungal infections. Always use antibiotics appropriately: For the RIGHT condition The RIGHT dose The RIGHT duration. Practise good hygiene and infection control. By not using antibiotics when you don’t need them they will be more effective when you do. Take the pledge today and join the fight at /npsmedicinewise.