European Antibiotic Awareness Day is an annual event that reminds everyone of the value of antibiotics and the importance of using them only when necessary. It's a day to highlight that these lifesaving drugs are under threat from the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics can cause more harm than good if taken unnecessarily. Antibiotics, like all medicines, have side effects. Take care of yourself and learn to treat common illnesses that do not require antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance
Antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at a pace that was unforeseen even 5 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. Antibiotics that once worked well to treat an infection may no longer be as effective, or may not work at all.
Dr Paul Ryan explains what antibiotic resistance is and why it matters
Antibiotics and viral infections
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections. They don’t work for viral illnesses including colds, flu, sore throat and COVID 19.
One of the best ways to avoid many viral infections is through vaccination, so keeping up to date with your vaccines really matters.
Find information about healthcare worker vaccines
If you have respiratory symptoms, see our advice on common illnesses to help yourself get better. Ask your doctor for advice if you are concerned or if symptoms persist.
What you can do as a healthcare professional
Watch Dr Eimear Brannigan, AMRIC Clinical Lead, discuss the importance of antimicrobial resistance
Prescribers
Everyone in the health service has a role to play in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), check out the AMS guidance for all healthcare settings.
Prescribe antibiotics as set out on antibioticprescribing.ie or on hospital guidelines and be aware of the red/green antibiotic prescribing programme.
Caring for yourself or your family
Many everyday illnesses, such as colds, coughs or sore throats, don’t need an antibiotic.
Take care of yourself and learn to treat common illnesses that do not require antibiotics.
Find out how to treat common illnesses
Only take antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor. Take them exactly as prescribed and for the right duration.
Do not share antibiotics or reuse leftover antibiotics at a later stage.
Practice good hand hygiene. This is one of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of infection.
Find advice on practicing good hand hygiene
Support the campaign online using #KeepAntibioticsWorking