Protect future generations by becoming an “antibiotic champion”

RESIDENTS of Warrington are being urged to help protect future generations by becoming “Antibiotics Guardian.”
A campaign starting today as part of Antibiotics Awareness Week, aims to raise awareness of the fight against antibiotic resistance and the repercussions of antibiotic misuse and overuse.
By becoming Antibiotic Guardians residents are asked to choose one simple pledge about  how they will make better use of antibiotics.
Antibiotics are essential medicines for treating bacterial infections in both humans and animals but inappropriate use can lead to the bacteria developing a resistance to them.
The more an antibiotic is used,  the more bacteria become resistant to it.
Antibiotics should be taken as prescribed, never saved for later or shared with others. They should be taken at the right time, at the right dose and for the right duration.
Community pharmacists are well placed to help provide advice on over-the-counter medicines to treat symptoms and help with self-care.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin (pictured above), the borough council’s lead member for public health and wellbeing,
said: “Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing us today – if we don’t work together and take action, we risk losing some of our most precious medicines.
“Bacteria can adapt and find ways to survive the effects of an antibiotic. They become antibiotic resistant’, so that the antibiotic no longer works.
“There are very few new antibiotics in the development pipeline, which is why it is crucial that we use our existing antibiotics wisely and make sure these life-saving medicines continue to stay effective for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.”
To join the campaign and become an Antibiotic Guardian, visit www.antibioticguardian.com.