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How you can help fight antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic Guardian Logo

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing us today.

 

Why it is relevant to you: Without effective antibiotics many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous. Setting broken bones, basic operations, even chemotherapy all rely on access to antibiotics that work.

What we want you to do: To slow resistance we need to cut the use of unnecessary antibiotics. We’re asking everyone in the UK, both the public and the medical community, to become Antibiotic Guardians by making a pledge.

Call to action: Choose one simple pledge about how you’ll make better use of antibiotics and help save this vital medicine from becoming obsolete.


Pledges for adults and children:

  • For infections that our bodies are good at fighting off on their own, like coughs, colds, sore throats and flu, I pledge to try treating the symptoms or seeing a pharmacist for five days rather than going to the GP
  • It is vital we prevent antibiotics from getting into the environment. I pledge to always take any unused antibiotics to my pharmacy for safe disposal
  • Washing your hands properly is the single best way to prevent the spread of infections. My family pledges to help cut the need for antibiotics by always washing our hands with soap and water for about 30 seconds

Pledges for pet owners:

  • To help reduce the need for antibiotics I will keep my animal healthy through exercise, good nutrition, relevant vaccination, and by having regular veterinary health checks
  • If my vet prescribes antibiotics I will give them in accordance with the instructions on the label and make sure that the full course is given

 There are more pledges for healthcare professionals, farmers and students on http://antibioticguardian.com/