Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial is a menace for the whole planet: every year, over 35 thousand people die in the European Union due to antimicrobial resistant infections and, all over the world, about 5 million people are estimated to die for the same reason (2019 data), almost as many as the deaths caused by the COVID-19 pandemic since its outset. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a natural phenomenon, resulting from their capacity of survival when exposed. Every time that we take an antibiotic, a selection of the bacteria that exist in our body occurs, namely in the intestines and in the skin, which may become resistant to its action. The control of infection and antimicrobial resistance have always been a priority area within Luz Saúde group and throughout the whole Hospital da Luz network , which is why we join the celebration of the European Antibiotic Awareness Day and the World Antibiotic Awareness Week. The European Antibiotic Awareness Day is an initiative of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and the European Agency for Health, which is celebrated on November 18, since 2008. The World Antibiotic Awareness Week , between 18 and 24 November, is an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), encompassing the European Antibiotic Awareness Day. This year, the motto is: “Together, we can prevent antimicrobial resistance”. Both dates have the purpose of sensitizing the population for the correct use of antibiotics – which is a responsibility of all, from citizens to the health professionals involved in their prescription and distribution, at human and animal level –. in order to contribute to a reduction of bacterial resistance to these medications. Remember: Antibiotics should not be used to treat flu or colds, or lower fever. Do not use antibiotics, unless a doctor takes that decision and prescribes it. Do not save leftover antibiotics to use latter or give it to someone else. Take it back to the pharmacy. In case of doubt, contact Luz 24 (217 104 424), the Hospital da Luz line. Learn more about bacterial resistance to antibiotics and how to use them . DGS ECDC OMS
