Do you ask for antibiotics to cure a cold?
In a recent survery, 97% of people said last time they asked their nurse or GP for an antibiotic they were prescribed one.
Particularly when suffering from a cough or cold, over half of people expect antibiotics from their doctor. According to the research, commissioned by the Health Protection Agency, 53% of people who were surveyed contacted a doctor or nurse when they had a cold, cough or flu symtoms expecting to be given antibiotics.
In actual fact, most coughs, colds and flu are caused by viruses that do not respond to treatment using antibiotics.
However, the worrying aspect of unnecessary antibiotics being given out addresses the underlying problem of antibitoics resistance. 70% of people interviewed did recognise that antibiotics resistance is a problem in British hospitals.
Dr Cliodna McNulty, the Health Protection Agency's head of primary care said: "Although the public recognises resistance as a problem, our findings show that people expect and are often prescribed, antibiotics for mild illnesses such as coughs, colds and sore throats as well as for flu, which can be more severe but is still a viral illness."
If you fall ill with a cough or cold this winter, the Health Protection Agency have released some top tips to understanding antibiotics:
-Most coughs and colds will get better on their own without antibiotics
-When you have a sore throat with a runny nose it suggests the infection is less likely to respond to antibiotics
-Always take all the doses each day and finish the course, otherwise you encourage the emergence of resistant strains
-Never keep any antibiotics in the cupboard for later use
-Discuss antibiotics with your doctor, they can assess whether you need them
-In certain situations antibiotics can be life-savers, seek advice from your GP if you're concerned about anything
Alexandra Baracskai
Tagged in Health cold and flu