European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) is an annual event to remind everyone how valuable antibiotics are and how important it is that we only use them when we need them. EAAD also highlights that these lifesaving drugs are under threat from the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics can cause more harm than good if taken unnecessarily. Take care of yourself and learn to treat common illnesses that do not require antibiotics use.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at a pace that was unforeseen, even five years ago. Antibiotic resistance is caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. It happens when bacteria or bugs becomes resistant to different types of antibiotics. These are sometimes called superbugs. So, antibiotics that once worked well to treat an infection may no longer work as well as before, or do not work at all.
Antibiotics and viral infections
Antibiotics can cause more harm than good; they should be used only as prescribed and when needed.
Antibiotics don’t work for viral illnesses including COVID-19, colds or flu. If you have respiratory symptoms, visit the HSE website for advice on common illnesses and how to help yourself get better and ask your doctor for advice if you are concerned or if symptoms persist.
Antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed - at the right time and for the right duration.
Never share antibiotics or take them without a prescription.
What can you do as a healthcare specialist?
Watch: Dr Eimear Brannigan, AMRIC Clinical Lead discuss the importance of Antimicrobial Resistance
What can we do to prevent the overuse of antibiotics going forward?
Prescribers
In many cases, the preferred antibiotic is NO antibiotic. If you are a prescriber please ensure you are familiar with the most appropriate antibiotic to use, the correct length of time and do not use broad-spectrum antibiotics unless they are advised. If you are based in an acute hospital you may have specific prescribing guidelines for use locally.
Visit antibioticprescribing.ie for guidance and information for prescribers
Caring for yourself or your family
A lot of everyday illnesses like colds, coughs or sore throats don’t need an antibiotic. Find out how you can treat them at home and when to get help.
Find out how to treat common illnesses
More information for health professionals
- Hand hygiene in Irish community healthcare settings
- Hand hygiene in Irish acute healthcare settings
- Antibiotic resistance
- Resources for healthcare workers
Support the campaign online using #KeepAntiboticsWorking.