PRESS RELEASE
EUROPEAN ANTIBIOTIC AWARENESS DAY (18th NOVEMBER)
Professor Martin Cormican, Consultant Microbiologist and HSE National Lead for antibiotic resistance says “the COVID-19 virus has reminded all of us just how dangerous an infection can be when we do not have a good drug to treat that infection. Imagine just how different everything would be today if only antibiotics did work against this COVID-19 virus.”
“One hundred years ago there were many bacterial infections that we did not have a treatment for. Infections like typhoid, tuberculosis, meningitis, syphilis and pneumonia destroyed lives day in and day out. When antibiotics came along they were called magic bullets, because it was like magic the way they killed the bacteria and helped people get better fast from what used to be deadly infections. When we see what happens even now with an infection for which we do not have a good drug treatment it reminds us how vitally important it is that we use antibiotics safely and wisely so that we can have the benefit now and keep them working for the next generation.”
European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) is an annual European public health initiative that takes place on the 18th of November. The aim of EAAD is to remind everyone how valuable antibiotics are, how important it is that we use them wisely and that these amazing drugs are under threat from the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant super-bugs are spreading fast all over the world. Even today this means that many antibiotics do not work as well as they did 20 years ago. The good news we want to spread on EAAD is that Ireland has a national action plan for dealing with this challenge (iNAP) and if we all keep working together on that plan we will slow down the superbugs and keep antibiotics working for years to come.
A key message is to only use antibiotics when they are likely to help someone who is sick get better faster and in special circumstances when we know that the antibiotic can prevent infection. It is safer for you not to take an antibiotic you don’t need. Antibiotics don’t help you to get better faster if the infection is caused by a virus such as COVID-19, colds or flu.
The HSE, in partnership with general practitioners and pharmacists has a website which gives practical, common sense advice and information on dealing with many common illnesses like colds, flu, earaches, sore throats, tummy bugs and rashes.
www.undertheweather.ie provides sound advice to give us the confidence and skill we need to take care of ourselves and our families without resorting to antibiotics. Antibiotics can cause more harm than good; they should be used only as prescribed and when needed.”
- Antibiotics don’t work for viral illnesses including COVID-19, colds or flu. If you have a cold or flu, visit www.undertheweather.ie for advice on how to help yourself get better and ask your doctor for advice if you are concerned. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 please ring your GP.
- Antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed - at the right time for the right duration.
- Never share antibiotics or take them without prescription.
Dr Nuala O’Connor, Irish College of General Practitioners, lead GP advisor on antibiotic resistance stressed, “Antibiotics are not effective for the treatment of viruses- they only kill bacteria. Most patients coming to see their GP with symptoms of infection such as temperature, coughs, sore throat, ear ache, stuffy noses, sinus symptoms, flu aches and pains rashes vomiting and diarrhoea have viral, not bacterial infections. Some will have COVID-19 and will be referred for testing by their doctor. COVID-19 is a viral infection, so antibiotics don’t help.”
“It’s important that patients understand that antibiotics will do nothing to help the symptoms of viral infections. They will not reduce a fever; they will not relieve a cough; they will not relieve pain. 1 in 10 patients will have a side effect such as nausea, stomach upset and in some cases serious illness from taking an antibiotic. The best treatments are rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat fever and pain symptoms. Both general practitioners and patients need to be constantly aware that antibiotics are a valuable resource and should only be used appropriately.
It is still important to get checked by your GP if you are worried, especially for very young children, elderly patients and those with chronic medical conditions or whose immune system is suppressed to decide it they have a viral or bacterial infection. But remember, being advised you do not need an antibiotic on this occasion is a positive outcome of a visit virtual or in person to the doctor.”
If your GP suspects you have COVID-19 and you are being referred for a test then it is important that you stay at home in your room and self-isolate until the results of that test are known. Everyone in your household needs to stay at home from work or school and restrict their movement until your test result is known.
ENDS