Each November, World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) is celebrated by WHO. Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these medicines.
The aim is to increase global awareness and encourage best practices among the general public and doctors to avoid the further emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance.
This year it’s being celebrated from 13-19 November 2019, With the theme “Antibiotics: handle with care.”
How to Prevent Antibiotic Resistance?
- Antibiotics should only be used when necessary. Use an antibiotic that is only effective against the specific type of bacteria you are infected with.
- Complete the Treatment: Follow doctor’s advice and recommendations and complete the antibiotic treatment exactly as prescribed. Never give or share your antibiotics with others.
- Never demand antibiotics for a sore throat, a cold or the flu. Antibiotics only work against bacteria. Many infections are caused by viruses and can’t be treated using antibiotics – examples include respiratory illnesses such as a cough, stuffy nose, bronchitis or the flu.
- Antibiotic vs. Bacteria: The more treatments you have, the greater the risk of developing resistant bacteria. Postpone the use of antibiotics until you really need this type of treatment.
- Prevention better than Cure: Ensure proper hand hygiene, especially abroad, and in contact with patients.
- Prepare food hygienically, following the WHO Five Keys to Safer Food (keep clean, separate raw and cooked, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, use safe water and raw materials) and choose foods that have been produced without the use of antibiotics for growth promotion or disease prevention in healthy animals.
- Take Care while Travelling: Take precautions while travelling abroad, both as a tourist or for treatment. The risk of infection with resistant bacteria is much greater outside the Nordic countries, both in and outside healthcare institutions.
- Antibiotic resistance can be prevented through immunization. It is important for both you and others that you follow the vaccination programs.
Restrict the use of antibiotics.