Even in times of COVID-19, keep in mind the bacterial resistance to antibiotics – that is this year’s motto for the European Antibiotic Awareness Day (November 18), an initiative of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the European Agency in the area of Health, which is joined by the units of Hospital da Luz network and HBA. This date marks also the starting of the World Antibiotic Awareness Week , promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO) until the 24 November and also having for goal to raise awareness of the population to the correct use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are not the solution for infections caused by viruses, such as the common colds or flu. Therefore, in case of symptoms of flu or cold : Do not rush to take antibiotics or ask for a prescription of antibiotics; Observe the advice of the doctor as to when and how to use antibiotics in a responsible manner, so that they can keep their efficacy in the future. The wrong or incorrect use of antibiotics may result in the development of bacterial resistance in future treatments. Thus constituting a health risk not only for the person that takes them inadequately, but also for all other people that might contract the resistant bacteria later on. Antibiotics are losing efficacy at a pace that was unexpected five years ago, in result of the development of resistances to these treatments by bacteria . If we continue to take antibiotics as up to now, Europe may recede to the pre-antibiotic era , where a common bacterial infection, like a pneumonia, could mean a death sentence. Remember: maintaining the efficacy of antibiotics is a responsibility of all! Take care, not antibiotics (video) Learn more about the correct use of antibiotics (PDF 133 Kb) World Antibiotic Awareness Day (WHO)
