These guidelines are being launched on the inaugural European Antibiotic Awareness Day which is being promoted all over Europe today. The aim of the Northern Ireland guidelines is to emphasise the importance of both prescribing and taking antibiotics responsibly.
The guidelines draw GPs attention to the most appropriate antibiotic to prescribe when indicated and will help avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. Anyone taking antibiotics will also be encouraged to follow their doctor's instructions on if and how to take them.
The Minister said: “It is important for the public to be aware that antibiotics do not cure all ills. In fact, the more often you use an antibiotic the greater chance you have of building up a resistance to them.
“Also, antibiotics have no effect on colds and flu.
“Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem, and we need to ensure antibiotics are only prescribed when they really need to be. By using antibiotics less often we can slow down the development of resistance. It’s not possible to stop it completely, but slowing it down stops resistance spreading and keeps our antibiotics effective for the future.
“The impact can be serious, for example, inappropriate use or over-use of antibiotics can lead to C.difficile infection.
“The guidelines launched today will help GPs when they are prescribing antibiotics for common infections. They will be able to use this guide to ensure that they prescribe the most effective antibiotic for the particular illness.”
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell said: “The over-use of antibiotics has also contributed to the increase in healthcare associated infections, often called ‘superbugs’.
“Taking antibiotics when they are not needed helps resistant bacteria grow, and then the antibiotics that once cured the infection are no longer effective.
“So it is important that antibiotics are used wisely; follow you doctor’s advice. They will know best if you need an antibiotic, and follow their instructions to keep yourself and others safe. We must keep our life-saving antibiotics working effectively for years to come.”
Notes to Editors:
- The first-ever European Antibiotic Awareness Day is being celebrated in the 27 EU Member States. This annual event is designed to raise awareness on how to use antibiotics in a responsible way that will help keep them effective also in the future. This year’s event will focus on antibiotic use in primary care.
- European Antibiotic Awareness Day is an initiative of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), who has been working in close collaboration with the Institutions of the European Union and Member State authorities, the World Health Organization and many other groups.
- There are two kinds of ‘bugs’ that cause illness: bacteria and viruses. Antibiotics kill bacteria that cause such illnesses as sore throats; antibiotics have no effect against illness caused by viruses, like colds and the flu.
- The regional Antimicrobial Guide for primary care prescribers was developed by the Departments Antimicrobial Resistance Action Committee (ARAC) which is chaired by Dr Lorraine Doherty from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
- A copy of the guidelines will be delivered to all GPs in Northern Ireland.
- Media enquires to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
