A group of medical experts today called on the Irish public to become more antibiotic aware in the fight against antibiotic drug resistance. The doctors made their public plea to coincide with the annual European Antibiotics Awareness Day campaign, which takes place this week, and the on-going Play Your Part antibiotic education initiative sponsored by Strepsils.
Despite on-going efforts to reduce levels of antibiotic prescribing, Ireland has one of the highest levels in Europe – considerably higher than the UK.
Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance In addition, taking antibiotics when they are not needed, might mean that they don’t work or are less effective when they are really needed. The unnecessary use of antibiotics can also lead to unpleasant side effects such as rash, upset stomach or diarrhoea.
It is widely acknowledged that antibiotic resistance is driven by high rates of antibiotic prescribing, and in particular for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs or coughs and colds). This is despite the fact that the majority of colds and flus are viral and do not benefit in any way from an antibiotic, which are used to treated bacterial infections.
The expert group behind The Play Your Part campaign, the Respiratory Tract Treatment Forum (RTTF), formed in 2011, and recognised the need for educational materials for both the public and healthcare professionals on the sensible use of antibiotics. The project is supported by Reckitt Benckiser, makers of Strepsils Intensive.
The Play Your Part initiative, sponsored by Strepsils Intensive has to date has produced and distributed a range of interactive materials on the subject to GPs, pharmacists and members of the public as part of a the drive for better understanding of this important health issue.
The group was formed following the publication of research by RTTF member, Dr Laura Noonan, into appropriate antibiotic prescribing practices for URTIs. Significantly, her research showed that public were seeking information and advice and not necessarily an antibiotic3.
Dr Noonan also found that the majority of patients who leave the surgery without a prescription do not feel that the doctor is dismissive of their symptoms. She also found that patients who understand the role of antibiotics are less likely to come to their GP with a cold or flu, and almost half will try an over-the-counter treatment first.
According to Dr Noonan, “Many people visit their GP when they have a cold or flu because they believe that an antibiotic will solve their problem. However, research has shown that in 85-95% of cases cold and flu like illnesses won’t improve any quicker with an antibiotic. Put simply, taking an antibiotic when you don’t need them can put your health at risk.”
While some infections will require an antibiotic most can be treated effectively at pharmacy level and there is a vast range of over-the-counter remedies that can help treat many common infections, such as colds and flus.
Dr Noonan added, “My study showed that GPs may also overestimate the desire of patients with colds and flus for an antibiotic prescription, and suggests that the majority of patients are more concerned with symptom relief than antibiotics.
“Furthermore, my initial research also indicated that with better public education the numbers of patients visiting their GPs for conditions that can be treated at pharmacy would be reduced. This is why events like European Antibiotic Awareness Day are so important.”
The Play Your Part patient information materials on managing colds and flu this winter will be available from pharmacies nationwide.
The expert group are also highlighting the role that their medical peers can play in reducing antibiotic prescribing and they have developed and distributed a range of educational materials to encourage sensible use of antibiotics this coming winter.
