Menu
17/01/2002
New campaign aims to reduce misuse of antibiotics
The Department of Health has launched a major publicity campaign which aims to bring home the message that antibiotics don’t work on minor illnesses.
The campaign, which is being run for the third time by the Department, carries the key message that antibiotics do not work on colds, most coughs and sore throats.
The campaign, launched on Wednesday January 16, will include advertising in shopping centres and at bus stops and the distribution of leaflets available in GP surgeries, pharmacies and other public outlets.
Stressing the importance of the campaign, Dr. Lorraine Doherty, Senior Medical Officer at the Department said “This campaign carries a very important message. If we do not limit the prescribing of antibiotics for minor complaints, they will eventually lose their effectiveness against many illnesses.
“Bacteria are very clever and can adapt to become resistant to antibiotics. This means that antibiotics are becoming less effective at fighting many infections. This is already beginning to happen and is of concern to many health professionals.
“The objective of this campaign is to make patients aware that most coughs and colds do not need antibiotic treatment but can be managed with simple remedies. Dr Doherty added: “My message to patients is: antibiotics should not be taken for simple coughs and colds. Do not expect your doctor to prescribe antibiotics for these minor complaints or for viruses, for example.”
The campaign also encourages patients to seek advice from community pharmacists on safe and appropriate symptomatic relief. In addition the campaign explains that antibiotics will also kill the "good bacteria" that will help to keep us all healthy. (AMcE)
The campaign, which is being run for the third time by the Department, carries the key message that antibiotics do not work on colds, most coughs and sore throats.
The campaign, launched on Wednesday January 16, will include advertising in shopping centres and at bus stops and the distribution of leaflets available in GP surgeries, pharmacies and other public outlets.
Stressing the importance of the campaign, Dr. Lorraine Doherty, Senior Medical Officer at the Department said “This campaign carries a very important message. If we do not limit the prescribing of antibiotics for minor complaints, they will eventually lose their effectiveness against many illnesses.
“Bacteria are very clever and can adapt to become resistant to antibiotics. This means that antibiotics are becoming less effective at fighting many infections. This is already beginning to happen and is of concern to many health professionals.
“The objective of this campaign is to make patients aware that most coughs and colds do not need antibiotic treatment but can be managed with simple remedies. Dr Doherty added: “My message to patients is: antibiotics should not be taken for simple coughs and colds. Do not expect your doctor to prescribe antibiotics for these minor complaints or for viruses, for example.”
The campaign also encourages patients to seek advice from community pharmacists on safe and appropriate symptomatic relief. In addition the campaign explains that antibiotics will also kill the "good bacteria" that will help to keep us all healthy. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 January 2004
Antibiotics don’t work on colds, warns medical chief
A revamped publicity campaign, launched by the health department today, has warned that antibiotics should not be taken for colds, most coughs and sore throats. The aim of the campaign, which features a cartoon character called 'Andy Biotic', is to try to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics.
Antibiotics don’t work on colds, warns medical chief
A revamped publicity campaign, launched by the health department today, has warned that antibiotics should not be taken for colds, most coughs and sore throats. The aim of the campaign, which features a cartoon character called 'Andy Biotic', is to try to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics.
19 November 2024
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
World AMR Awareness Week: Call To Preserve Antibiotics
In light of World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 November), local residents are being reminded of the critical importance of preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern, as bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics designed to combat them.
14 November 2019
PHA Promote Correct Use Of Antibiotics
The future of antibiotics depends on all of us to use them properly, the Public Health Agency has said. Ahead of World Antibiotics Awareness Week, 18-24 November, members of the public are urged to help keep antibiotics working.
PHA Promote Correct Use Of Antibiotics
The future of antibiotics depends on all of us to use them properly, the Public Health Agency has said. Ahead of World Antibiotics Awareness Week, 18-24 November, members of the public are urged to help keep antibiotics working.
03 December 2019
Pharmacies Fight To Stop Antibiotic Resistance
Pharmacies in Northern Ireland are stepping up their efforts to help keep antibiotics working in the fight against resistance. More than 500 community pharmacies are taking part in the Living Well service, which provides information and advice on key public health issues.
Pharmacies Fight To Stop Antibiotic Resistance
Pharmacies in Northern Ireland are stepping up their efforts to help keep antibiotics working in the fight against resistance. More than 500 community pharmacies are taking part in the Living Well service, which provides information and advice on key public health issues.
03 October 2023
Pharmacies Launch 'Keep Antibiotics Working' Initiative
A new initiative has been launched across NI's community pharmacies to highlight the importance of keeping antibiotics working. Antibiotics are needed for serious bacterial infections. When antibiotics are not used correctly, the bacteria they are designed to treat can become resistant, this is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Pharmacies Launch 'Keep Antibiotics Working' Initiative
A new initiative has been launched across NI's community pharmacies to highlight the importance of keeping antibiotics working. Antibiotics are needed for serious bacterial infections. When antibiotics are not used correctly, the bacteria they are designed to treat can become resistant, this is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
