SOMERSET’S family doctors warn of the risk of new and dangerous antibiotic resistant superbugs taking hold in this country and Europe.

They are joining with public health experts in pointing out the likelihood of this happening being increased unless people stop over-using antibiotics.

The spread of resistant bacteria in hospitals and community healthcare settings is already a major patient safety issue.

Scientist warn that – unless fewer antibiotics are prescribed and those that are prescribed are taken correctly – a new strain of antibiotic resistant ‘superbugs’ could pose a risk to the health of millions of people.   

GPs still find patients demanding antibiotics believing that a common cold or flu can be ‘cured’ by taking them, when in fact they have no effect upon such viruses. 

Antibiotics remain an effective treatment for bacterial infections but only when they are taken in the prescribed way.  Too often, patients fail to complete a course of prescribed antibiotics because they start to feel better and believe they have overcome their infection.

Dr Ed Ford, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) urgent care lead, said: “In winter, family doctors expect to see many more patients with colds and coughs and many will ask for antibiotics believing they are a quick cure. They are not. 

“Patient should not feel offended if we advise taking some over-the-counter cold remedies from their local pharmacist as these are much more likely to relieve their symptoms.

“For elderly patients and people living with long-term ill health conditions, the seasonal flu vaccination still offers better protection to yourself and those around you.”   

Somerset CCG medicines management lead and antibiotics guardian, Shaun Green said: “We still take antibiotics for granted believing that there will always be one available to treat an infection. 

“Unfortunately, bacteria resistance to antibiotics is a real and growing problem and one that we are seeing throughout hospitals and healthcare settings in Somerset and all over England and Europe.

“As patients we have to use antibiotic appropriately and accept the doctor’s advice if they tell us antibiotics are not necessary or will be ineffective such as when we have a bad cold.”

To reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance patients are advised to:

* Treat a viral infection such as a cold with lots of fluids and paracetamol rather than visiting the doctor. 

* When possible, prevent infection through appropriate vaccination such as the flu jab.

* Wash hands regularly, for instance after sneezing or coughing before touching other things or people.

* Always use antibiotics under medical prescription. Do not use ’left-overs’ or antibiotics obtained without a prescription.

* Ask the pharmacist about how to self-care, take antibiotics and finish the course. 

Further information and advice can be found at