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17 November 2017
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Saturday 18 November is European Antibiotic Awareness Day

Irish College of General Practitioners highlights the misuse of antibiotics on European Antibiotic Awareness Day

College calls for collective responsibility to ensure medical professionals use antibiotics correctly

The ICGP supports European Antibiotics Awareness Day (EAAD) on Saturday 18 November and encourages its members to educate the public about the effects of the misuse of antibiotics.

"The more we use antibiotics, the more antibiotic-resistant bacteria we make, and this means that patients who really need antibiotics are less likely to get better, than they would have 10 or 20 years ago," said Dr Nuala O'Connor, ICGP Lead Advisor on Healthcare Associated Infections and Antibiotic Resistance.

"Antibiotics can cause more harm than good when improperly used. They should only be prescribed when needed. Doctors have a collective responsibility to ensure that antibiotics are used correctly. "

The ICGP encourages people with colds and flu not to seek antibiotics. The HSE's website www.undertheweather.ie provides sound advice on how to take care of ourselves without resorting to antibiotics, but do ask your doctor for advice if you are concerned.

#KeepAntibioticsWorking

Media queries

Aileen O'Meara, Communications Consultant, Irish College of General Practitioners
Tel. 01 5175311 / 087 2239830, email: media@icgp.ie