• Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
We Are South Devon
Advertisement
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article
No Result
View All Result
We Are South Devon
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

Why we should all keep antibiotics working in the South West

We Are South Devon by We Are South Devon
November 17, 2021
in Health
Why we should all keep antibiotics working in the South West

New data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that antibiotic resistant bloodstream infections have fallen but remain at a higher level than five years ago.

The decline was largely driven by a reduction in recorded bloodstream infections overall, which was likely due to COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 including less social mixing and enhanced infection, prevention, and control measures. Changes in behaviour as well as prescribing and healthcare delivery have also played a key part in driving down antibiotic resistance and prescribing.

RelatedPosts

Visits to NHS website’s head lice advice page jump by a third in back-to-school spike

NHS in Devon ready to take extra measures to keep people safe as strike pressure rises at emergency departments

Residents urged by NHS to get their winter Covid-19 vaccine

However, the proportion of bloodstream infections that were resistant to one or more antibiotics increased overall nationally, suggesting we are likely to see a rise in antibiotic resistant infections as pandemic-related restrictions are discontinued.

Experts warn that we must all continue to use antibiotics appropriately to ensure they continue to work.

Dr Chaam Klinger, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been described as a hidden pandemic and it’s important that we do not come out of COVID-19 and enter into another crisis.

“Today’s new data shows that now, more than ever, we need to continue to work together to prevent serious infections – including COVID-19 – whilst reducing inappropriate antibiotic use.

“We recommend that healthcare professionals explain to patients that antibiotics do not prevent or treat viral infections including COVID-19 and can actually cause side-effects, including nausea and diarrhoea. They can also increase the risk of spreading infections that are caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

“As we head into winter, with increasing amounts of respiratory infections in circulation it’s important to remember that antibiotics are not needed for many cold-like symptoms. Stay at home if you feel unwell.

“Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them only puts you and your loved ones at more risk in the future so please listen to your GP, nurse, dentist or pharmacist’s advice.”

Antibiotics are vital for the treatment of bacterial infections causing pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Without them, modern medical technology could not exist, as they also help to protect against infection during chemotherapy, caesarean sections, and other common surgeries. However, they are sometimes prescribed to treat coughs, earache, and sore throats where it is now clear they may have little or no effect.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria no longer respond to treatment, causing serious complications, including bloodstream infections and hospitalisation. Taking antibiotics encourages harmful bacteria that live inside you to become resistant. That means that antibiotics may not work when you really need them. Therefore, it is important to take antibiotics only when they are needed and helpful.

You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.

Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Contact us

Related Posts

Health

Visits to NHS website’s head lice advice page jump by a third in back-to-school spike

September 25, 2023
NHS in Devon ready to take extra measures to keep people safe as strike pressure rises at emergency departments
Health

NHS in Devon ready to take extra measures to keep people safe as strike pressure rises at emergency departments

September 22, 2023
Health

Residents urged by NHS to get their winter Covid-19 vaccine

September 18, 2023
Health

National cancer charity Cancer Support UK partners with The Wellbeing Project

September 18, 2023
Health

Lumi Nova app harnessing mobile gaming to offer therapeutic support for anxious children

September 18, 2023
Care home residents could be suffering in silence due to deteriorating eye health
Health

Care home residents could be suffering in silence due to deteriorating eye health

September 16, 2023
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

© 2023 We Are South Devon Brought to you by Griffiths Networking

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • All News
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Submit an article

© 2023 We Are South Devon Brought to you by Griffiths Networking