Find out how you can play your part to stop antibiotic resistance, which is fast becoming a problem across the world

Antibiotics are essential to treat serious bacterial infections and have saved millions of lives across the country.

Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them puts you and your family at risk, as this encourages harmful bacteria that live inside you to become resistant.

Follow these three simple steps to help ensure antibiotics continue to work:
  1. Do not demand antibiotics whenever you feel unwell – they often make little or no difference to your condition.
  2. Take antibiotics exactly as they are prescribed.  Never save them for later.  Never give them to someone else.  It’s also crucial that you take the full course of antibiotics if you do get them prescribed – even if you start to feel better before your course is complete.
  3. Watch this 2- minute video and then spread the word by telling your friends and family to watch it too.
You can find out more about how you can do your bit by speaking to your GP or pharmacist.  Also see our pledge to patients