Advice and resources : Taking antibiotics safely
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Staying fit
Staying active, building healthy habits, and finding ways to stay physically well at any age.
Learn moreInfection Prevention and Control
Whether you’re a patient, carer or member of staff, you can help us prevent the spread of infections.
Learn morePharmacy
Procurement, distribution, and dispensing of medicines for our inpatient wards and our specialist outpatient clinics.
Learn moreOverview
Antibiotics can help treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
However, they don't work on infections or illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds or the flu.
Use antibiotics correctly
Using antibiotics the wrong way can cause some bacteria to become resistant, known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
This means the antibiotics are no longer effective, and this can lead to more serious infections and complications, both for yourself and others.
Please remember:
- Antibiotics won’t work in the case of a cold or the flu
- Only take them when your healthcare professional advises them
- Follow your health professional’s advice on when and how to take antibiotics
- Never use leftover antibiotics - take leftover antibiotics to your pharmacy for safe disposal
Antibiotics - Let's Keep Them Working
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Keep antibiotics working
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has videos explaining why we all need to be careful when using antibiotics.
Antibiotics won't help with colds or flu because these illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria. If in doubt, go to your local pharmacy for advice.
Don't save antibiotics for later
Feeling sick? Think twice before searching for leftover antibiotics and never save them for later, old antibiotics don’t work. Only take them exactly as your GP, nurse or pharmacist tells you.
Take antibiotics as directed
Been prescribed antibiotics? Make sure you take the right dose at the right time as directed by your GP, nurse or pharmacist. Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.