Health and Me

Itisha Arya

UK Health Experts Issue Antibiotics Alert For Cold and Flu; Here’s Why

UK HEALTH WARNING ANTIBIOTICS

Health authorities in the United Kingdom have released a fresh advisory on the use of <span>antibiotics</span> this winter. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reminded the public that these medicines are designed for specific types of illness and are not useful in every situation. 

Antibiotics treat or prevent bacterial infections by killing the bacteria outright or limiting their ability to grow. This allows the body’s own immune defences to clear the remaining infection. What they cannot do is treat illnesses caused by viruses.

This includes common winter infections such as colds, flu, and COVID-19. In a post on X, the UKHSA said, “Antibiotics don't work for colds and flu. Pharmacists can guide you on managing your symptoms.”

<h2>Health Officials Issue Winter Antibiotics Warning</h2>

The agency also urged people to keep a few basic points in mind when using antibiotics:

<ul><li>Do not use them for colds or flu</li><li>Do not keep unfinished courses for future use</li><li>Always take them according to instructions</li></ul>

<h2>Flu And Cold: Why The Warning Matters</h2>

The reminder follows the release of the UKHSA’s English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) report, which shows that nearly 400 people in England each week are now diagnosed with infections that no longer respond well to antibiotics. These resistant infections are harder to treat and pose a greater risk of complications.

Experts believe that years of unnecessary or incorrect use of antibiotics have contributed to a decline in their effectiveness. This widespread overuse has also encouraged the rise of “superbugs”, a term used for bacteria that can withstand several commonly used antibiotics. Examples highlighted by the NHS include:

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

The NHS notes that these infections can be severe, difficult to control, and are becoming a growing cause of illness and death worldwide. The larger concern is that entirely new bacteria may emerge with resistance to every antibiotic currently available.

 A cold usually develops slowly and tends to be milder. Typical signs include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a sore throat, mild cough, slight body ache, and low fever if any. Many people also feel pressure around the sinuses and a mild headache.

 Flu sets in quickly and is generally more intense. People often experience a high fever, chills, deep muscle pain, marked fatigue, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and a sudden drop in energy. Some may also have nausea, loss of appetite, or chest discomfort.

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 facing modern medicine, but the good news is we can all do something about it.”

If a doctor has prescribed antibiotics, it is vital to take the medicine exactly as told, without skipping or delaying doses.

The NHS advises, “If you miss a dose, check the patient information leaflet to see what to do. If you are unsure, speak with a pharmacist or your GP. In many cases, you can take the missed tablet as soon as you remember and then continue the course as usual. If it is almost time for your next dose, leave out the missed one and return to your usual schedule.”

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Health authorities in the United Kingdom have released a fresh advisory on the use of antibiotics this winter. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reminded the public that these medicines are designed for specific types of illness and are not useful in every situation. Antibiotics treat or prevent bacterial infections by killing the bacteria outright or limiting their ability to grow. This allows the body’s own immune defences to clear the remaining infection. What they cannot do is treat illnesses caused by viruses.This includes common winter infections such as colds, flu, and COVID-19. In a post on X, the UKHSA said, “Antibiotics don't work for colds and flu. Pharmacists can guide you on managing your symptoms.”Health Officials Issue Winter Antibiotics WarningThe agency also urged people to keep a few basic points in mind when using antibiotics:Do not use them for colds or fluDo not keep unfinished courses for future useAlways take them according to instructionsFlu And Cold: Why The Warning MattersThe reminder follows the release of the UKHSA’s English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance (ESPAUR) report, which shows that nearly 400 people in England each week are now diagnosed with infections that no longer respond well to antibiotics. These resistant infections are harder to treat and pose a greater risk of complications.Experts believe that years of unnecessary or incorrect use of antibiotics have contributed to a decline in their effectiveness. This widespread overuse has also encouraged the rise of “superbugs”, a term used for bacteria that can withstand several commonly used antibiotics. Examples highlighted by the NHS include:MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)Clostridium difficile (C. diff)The bacteria responsible for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosisThe NHS notes that these infections can be severe, difficult to control, and are becoming a growing cause of illness and death worldwide. The larger concern is that entirely new bacteria may emerge with resistance to every antibiotic currently available.Cold Symptoms A cold usually develops slowly and tends to be milder. Typical signs include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a sore throat, mild cough, slight body ache, and low fever if any. Many people also feel pressure around the sinuses and a mild headache.Flu Symptoms Flu sets in quickly and is generally more intense. People often experience a high fever, chills, deep muscle pain, marked fatigue, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and a sudden drop in energy. Some may also have nausea, loss of appetite, or chest discomfort.What Experts Are SayingDr Alicia Demirjian, consultant epidemiologist and clinical lead for antimicrobial resistance and prescribing at the UKHSA, said, “Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats facing modern medicine, but the good news is we can all do something about it.”If a doctor has prescribed antibiotics, it is vital to take the medicine exactly as told, without skipping or delaying doses.The NHS advises, “If you miss a dose, check the patient information leaflet to see what to do. If you are unsure, speak with a pharmacist or your GP. In many cases, you can take the missed tablet as soon as you remember and then continue the course as usual. If it is almost time for your next dose, leave out the missed one and return to your usual schedule.”