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Posted on 22 Nov 2019

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing us today.  Without effective antibiotics many routine treatments will become increasingly dangerous.  Antibiotics do more than just treat infections.  Basic surgery, childbirth, chemotherapy and animal health all rely on access to antibiotics that work.

To slow resistance we need to reduce the unnecessary and inappropriate use of antibiotics.  

At Nottinghamshire Healthcare we see the importance of tackling this issue.  Our staff are helping to champion this problem and we want you to help us too. 

This week (18-24 November) is World Antibiotic Awareness Week.  We started the week off on European Antibiotic Awareness Day with a visit from Dr Vivienne Weston, Consultant Microbiologist, who told us why raising awareness about this issue and committing to help save these important medicines is vital. 

How can we prevent antimicrobial resistance? 

• Prevent infections from spreading
• Make sure you learn about good hand hygiene 
• Only use antimicrobial medicines prescribed by a healthcare professional
• Always complete the full course of antibiotics and take them exactly as prescribed
• Never save antibiotics for later or share them with others
• Do not pressurise healthcare professionals to prescribe antibiotics inappropriately - viral infections will not be helped with antibiotics
• Educate family and friends about this
• Ensure you are fully vaccinated against contagious diseases
• Visit www.antibioticguardian.com and pledge to be an Antibiotic Guardian
• Share your pledge on social media
• Encourage others to take a pledge to become Antibiotic Guardians – try to sign up ten friends, family members and colleagues as Antibiotic Guardians