Pharmacists to join the fight against antibiotic resistance

November 18-24 is NPS Medicinewise Antibiotic Awareness Week.

The World Health Organization has declared that antibiotic resistance is 'one of the greatest threats to human health today’. Tackling antibiotic resistance has now become a global initiative, encouraging health professionals and the wider community to learn more about the importance of taking these life-saving medicines appropriately.

Australians are amongst some of the highest users of antibiotics in the developed world, with around 19 million prescriptions written every year.

Every time antibiotics are consumed unnecessarily or incorrectly, it encourages the development of dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria and contributes to the spread of superbugs in the community.

For pharmacists, a key area of focus is the management of colds and flu symptoms in patients. Too often, we see patients clogging up doctor’s surgeries, seeking antibiotics for treatment of their symptoms, not knowing that antibiotics are powerless against viruses.

Pharmacies can contribute to the fight against antibiotic resistance by focussing on encouraging people with cold and flu symptoms to attend their local pharmacy, and suggest avoiding the doctors unless there are obvious red flag symptoms.

To join the fight against antibiotic resistance, take the pledge here.

Or click here to learn more about this campaign.