Warning over antibiotics

This week is World Antibiotic Awareness week, and Dr Richard Spiers, clinical lead for prescribing and clinical policies at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing us today.

“Without effective antibiotics many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous. Imagine having something like meningitis and antibiotics simply not working to fight that infection because the bugs have become resistant.

“So next time you feel unwell with a mild illness, don’t head straight to your GP asking for antibiotics. Visit your local pharmacist who will be better placed to offer you the right medication and advice.”

Patients are being told to always finish their course of antibiotics, even if they feel better before that.