Keep antibiotics working

Remember if you're feeling unwell antibiotics aren't always needed. Ask your pharmacist to recommend medicines to help with symptoms or pain. They can also provide advice on treating minor health concerns and healthy living.

Antibiotics are needed for serious bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics encourages harmful bacteria that live inside you to become resistant. That means that antibiotics may not work when you really need them. This puts you and your family at risk of a more severe or longer illness.

Antibiotics should never be shared of kept for later use. Our pharmacists can safely dispose of any unwanted or out-of-dates medicines. Find your nearest pharmacy here.

If you are unsure about the best treatment for you symptoms speak to your doctor.

What should you do if you or a family member is feeling unwell?

• Speak to your local pharmacist. They will be able to recommend medicines to help with symptoms or pain. they can also provide advice on treating minor health concerns and healthy living.
• Ensure you get plenty of rest.
• Make sure you or your family member drink enough to avoid feeling thirsty.
• A fever is a sign of the the body fighting the infection and usually gets better by itself in most cases. Paracetamol can help if you feel uncomfortable as a result of a fever.
• Make sure to use a tissue for your nose and wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading the infection.

How long should symptoms of common illnesses last for?

• Earache (middle ear infection) - Most people are better by 8 days
• Sore throat - 7-8 days
• Sinusitis (adults only) - 14-21 days
• Cold - 14 days
• Cough or bronchitis - 21 days