Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Taking This Everyday Pill During Flu Could Be Risky, UKHSA Warns

antibiotics for flu

People have been advised not to rely on a commonly used medicine when dealing with flu or cold symptoms. The UK Health Security Agency (<span>UKHSA</span>) has released an important warning about the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs designed to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing and multiplying. But why are health authorities urging caution against antibiotics during the current rise in flu cases?

<h2><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/flu-influenza">Flu Influenza</a></span>: Super Flu Cases Rising In UK And US</h2>

This year, a new strain of influenza, known as influenza A H3N2 or the subclade K variant, is spreading quickly across several countries, including the United States, according to Fox News. This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 8.1% increase in positive flu tests across the country.

The UK is facing a similar situation. The NHS has warned that hospitals in England are dealing with a “worst case scenario” this December due to a surge in so-called “super flu” cases. An average of 2,660 patients per day were hospitalised with flu during the first week of December, the highest number ever recorded for this time of year and a 55% jump from the previous week.

Flu Influenza: Why Is UKHSA Warning Against Taking Antibiotics During Super Flu?

Antibiotics are medicines specifically meant to fight bacterial infections by destroying bacteria or preventing them from spreading. This helps the body’s immune system clear the infection. However, it is important to understand that antibiotics do not work on viral infections. These include illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.

In a post shared on social media platform X, the UKHSA stated: “Antibiotics don’t work for colds and flu – pharmacists can advise you on how to treat your symptoms.”

<h2>Flu Influenza: Guidelines On Using Antibiotics During Super Flu</h2>

The UKHSA has urged people to follow a few “simple” rules when it comes to antibiotics:

<ul><li>Don’t take them for colds or flu</li><li>Don’t save them to use later</li><li>Take them exactly as prescribed</li></ul>

This advice comes as flu cases continue to rise across the UK. Data from the UKHSA showed that in the week ending December 7, flu positivity in England increased, with the weekly average reaching 21 per cent, up from 17 per cent the week before.

Hospital admissions linked to flu also rose to 10.05 per 100,000 people, compared with 8.09 per 100,000 previously.

<h2>Flu Influenza: Antibiotic-Resistant Infections</h2>

The warning follows the publication of the UKHSA’s English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) report in November. The report revealed that around 400 people each week in England are diagnosed with antibiotic-resistant infections.

These infections are harder to treat and can result in serious health problems. Experts say that the excessive use of antibiotics over time has reduced their effectiveness, leading to the rise of so-called “superbugs.”

The NHS explains that these are types of bacteria that have developed resistance to several antibiotic treatments, including:

<ul><li>MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)</li><li>Clostridium difficile (C. diff)</li><li>The bacteria responsible for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis</li></ul>

The NHS has warned: “These infections can be serious and difficult to treat, and are becoming an increasing cause of disability and death worldwide. The greatest concern is that new strains of bacteria could develop that cannot be treated with any existing antibiotics.”

Dr Alicia Demirjian, consultant epidemiologist and clinical lead for antimicrobial resistance and prescribing at the UKHSA, said: “Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to modern medicine, but the good news is that we can all help reduce it.”

When a GP prescribes antibiotics, it is vital to follow the instructions carefully and not miss any doses.

The NHS advises: “If you forget to take a dose of your antibiotics, check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine to see what to do. If you’re unsure, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.

“In most cases, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then continue the course as normal. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular schedule.” You should never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Antibiotics or any other medicines should only be taken after consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Always follow the guidance of your doctor, pharmacist, or local health authority regarding diagnosis and treatment.

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People have been advised not to rely on a commonly used medicine when dealing with flu or cold symptoms. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released an important warning about the use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are drugs designed to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing and multiplying. But why are health authorities urging caution against antibiotics during the current rise in flu cases?Flu Influenza: Super Flu Cases Rising In UK And USThis year, a new strain of influenza, known as influenza A H3N2 or the subclade K variant, is spreading quickly across several countries, including the United States, according to Fox News. This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an 8.1% increase in positive flu tests across the country.The UK is facing a similar situation. The NHS has warned that hospitals in England are dealing with a “worst case scenario” this December due to a surge in so-called “super flu” cases. An average of 2,660 patients per day were hospitalised with flu during the first week of December, the highest number ever recorded for this time of year and a 55% jump from the previous week.Flu Influenza: Why Is UKHSA Warning Against Taking Antibiotics During Super Flu?Antibiotics are medicines specifically meant to fight bacterial infections by destroying bacteria or preventing them from spreading. This helps the body’s immune system clear the infection. However, it is important to understand that antibiotics do not work on viral infections. These include illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.In a post shared on social media platform X, the UKHSA stated: “Antibiotics don’t work for colds and flu – pharmacists can advise you on how to treat your symptoms.”Flu Influenza: Guidelines On Using Antibiotics During Super FluThe UKHSA has urged people to follow a few “simple” rules when it comes to antibiotics:Don’t take them for colds or fluDon’t save them to use laterTake them exactly as prescribedThis advice comes as flu cases continue to rise across the UK. Data from the UKHSA showed that in the week ending December 7, flu positivity in England increased, with the weekly average reaching 21 per cent, up from 17 per cent the week before.Hospital admissions linked to flu also rose to 10.05 per 100,000 people, compared with 8.09 per 100,000 previously.Flu Influenza: Antibiotic-Resistant InfectionsThe warning follows the publication of the UKHSA’s English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) report in November. The report revealed that around 400 people each week in England are diagnosed with antibiotic-resistant infections.These infections are harder to treat and can result in serious health problems. Experts say that the excessive use of antibiotics over time has reduced their effectiveness, leading to the rise of so-called “superbugs.”The NHS explains that these are types of bacteria that have developed resistance to several antibiotic treatments, including:MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)Clostridium difficile (C. diff)The bacteria responsible for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosisThe NHS has warned: “These infections can be serious and difficult to treat, and are becoming an increasing cause of disability and death worldwide. The greatest concern is that new strains of bacteria could develop that cannot be treated with any existing antibiotics.”Dr Alicia Demirjian, consultant epidemiologist and clinical lead for antimicrobial resistance and prescribing at the UKHSA, said: “Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to modern medicine, but the good news is that we can all help reduce it.”When a GP prescribes antibiotics, it is vital to follow the instructions carefully and not miss any doses.The NHS advises: “If you forget to take a dose of your antibiotics, check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine to see what to do. If you’re unsure, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.“In most cases, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember and then continue the course as normal. But if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular schedule.” You should never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Antibiotics or any other medicines should only be taken after consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Always follow the guidance of your doctor, pharmacist, or local health authority regarding diagnosis and treatment.