Capital & Coast DHB is reminding people to think carefully about antibiotics – a precious resource that needs to be used wisely.
This week – 14-20 November – is Antibiotic Awareness Week. This year’s theme, ‘handle with care’, reflects that antibiotics are an important part of healthcare that should not be misused.
“Antibiotics overuse is a global issue. We often expect to be prescribed antibiotics whenever we see a doctor, and tend to use them when we don’t really need them – often to combat viral infections, which don’t respond to antibiotics,” said Clinical Leader for Infection Services Dr Michelle Balm.
“The biggest driver of antibiotic resistance – where they lose their ability to combat infections – is the total amount of antibiotics used in a population. New Zealand is one of the highest users in the developed world, with usage having risen more than 50 percent since 2006.”
Antibiotics may have unintended harms, and should not be shared or saved for future use. Unused medicines – including those past their expiry date – should be returned to a pharmacy for disposal.
“Antibiotics should be used to treat bacterial infections – rather than viruses like cold and flu – and only when prescribed by a health care professional,” said Infectious Diseases Pharmacist Chris Little.
“Inappropriate and over use of antibiotics is a major driver of antibiotic resistance, which represents one of the greatest threats to human health today. This is why we’re using Antibiotics Awareness Week as an opportunity to encourage people to rethink their expectation and use of antibiotics.”
Information about Antibiotic Awareness Week is available from the World Health Organisation.
For our latest news, visit www.ccdhb.org.nz or www.facebook.com/CCDHB
Media contact: Chas Te Runa – 027 230 9571
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