November 18, 2019
Antibiotics Awareness Week: 18-24 November
This week is World Antibiotics Awareness Week, an important global campaign that aims to encourage awareness about the correct and proper usage of Antibiotics. The development of antibiotics represented a significant breakthrough in medical research, with the ability to treat a range of bacterial and microbial infections.
Unfortunately, the widespread use of antibiotics has meant some people have developed a resistance to the treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health today.
So what can you do to help mitigate the risk of resistance?
- Don’t share or use leftover antibiotics – as soon as you are finished with your prescription, you should take any remaining tablets or capsules to your local pharmacy to be disposed of safely through the RUM project.
- Don’t take antibiotics for a cold – antibiotics have no effect on a cold or flu virus. They will also not shorten the symptoms or severity of a cold.
- Practice good hygiene – stop the spread of germs by practising good hygiene.
- Vaccinate regularly – keep vaccinations up-to-date for yourself and your family
To find out more about Antibiotics Awareness Week, visit https://www.amr.gov.au/news/how-australians-can-reduce-antibiotic-resistance-0.
The Return of Unwanted Medicines Project is a free service that offers a way to dispose of unwanted or expired medicines safely and conveniently at your local community pharmacy. Find out more about the service here.