Don’t go straight for the antibiotics if you are feeling ill is the warning from GPs across South Lincolnshire.
Many patients ask for antibiotics when visiting their GP as they assume a course of antibiotics is a cure-all solution.
However, the overuse of antibiotics can result in infections becoming resistant to the drug so they do not work.
Dr Kevin Hill, chairman of NHS South Lincolnshire CCG, said: “Fighting infections is a growing problem due to antibiotic resistance. It is driven by overusing antibiotics, prescribing them inappropriately and patients not finishing the course.
“To slow down the development of antibiotic resistance, it is important to use antibiotics in the right way – to use the right drug, at the right dose, at the right time, for the right duration.
“Antibiotics should be taken as prescribed and never saved for later or shared with others.”
Speak to your GP if you are given antibiotics and are concerned or visit NHS Choices website.
For information on staying well this winter visit www.nhs.uk/staywell
