Published: Friday, 11th November 2016

Antibiotic Awareness Week takes place between 14 to 20 November 2016.

'Superbugs' becoming resistant to antibiotics is one of the biggest health challenges that we face.

It is estimated that 10 million people could die from resistant superbugs worldwide every year by 2050 if we keep using antibiotics too much.

With winter approaching, lots of people are asking their GPs for antibiotics for minor ailments. It is important to remember that for colds, and most coughs and sore throats, antibiotics do not actually work as these conditions are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only kill bacteria.

Side effects of taking antibiotics

Antibiotics can have unpleasant side effects. It is common to get an upset tummy, and occasionally people may suffer life-threatening allergic reactions.

What's more, antibiotics can make people more likely to get a particularly nasty gut infection called Clostridium difficile. This is because they kill all the 'good' bacteria in your gut, leaving room for the 'bad' bacteria to spread.

What to do if you're worried

If you are worried about an infection affecting you or your child, ask your doctor or pharmacist, call 111 (or 999 in an emergency). Do not be surprised if antibiotics are not the right treatment and your doctor does not prescribe them. And remember, if you are prescribed antibiotics, always finish the complete course and never share with friends or family.

'Important that we use antibiotics responsibly'

Dr Ellen Wright, chair of Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group, said, "Bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics is a big problem. No new antibiotics have come into widespread use in the last 30 years - it is difficult to discover new ones. This is why it is important that we use antibiotics responsibly, as they are one of our most valuable medical resources."

'Common infections and minor injuries could be life threatening'

Councillor David Gardner, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: "Many of us take modern medicine for granted and don't give a second thought about heading to the doctors to be prescribed a pill to make us feel better. However that may soon become a thing of the past if we don't all start behaving more responsibly when we're ill. Without effective antibiotics, common infections and minor injuries could be life threatening once again."