NATIONWIDE — Medical experts with the World Health Organization issued a stern warning to the public regarding the misuse of antibiotics, emphasizing that everyone has a role in protecting these life-saving medicines from becoming ineffective.
Misuse fuels Antimicrobial Resistance, a global health threat where germs evolve to defeat the drugs designed to kill them.
To ensure antibiotics remain effective for all, here are critical actions the public is advised NOT to take:
Key Rules for Antibiotic Use
- Do not use antibiotics for colds, flu, or sore throats. Antibiotics are designed to fight bacteria and do not treat viruses. Colds, flu, and most sore throats are caused by viruses. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily exposes bacteria to the drug, helping them develop resistance.
- Do not share your antibiotics with others. Antibiotics are prescribed for specific infections in specific individuals; using them improperly can be ineffective or harmful to others.
- Do not save leftover antibiotics for use later. If a prescription is incomplete, leftover medication should be properly disposed of, as saving them can lead to incorrect use or dosage when symptoms reappear.
The public health message is clear: “Let’s protect life-saving medicines for everyone!”. Efforts to combat AMR rely on the responsible use of these powerful drugs.
