The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a reminder that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections such as colds, flu, and COVID-19. In a statement on social media platform X, the agency said: "Antibiotics don't work for colds and flu - pharmacists can advise you on how to treat your symptoms."
Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections by killing bacteria or stopping their growth. They do not work against viruses. The UKHSA advised people to follow simple rules: do not take antibiotics for colds or flu, do not save them for later, and take them as directed.
The warning comes as flu cases rise in the UK. Data for the week up to December 7 shows flu positivity increased to 21%, up from 17% the previous week. Hospital admissions for flu rose to 10.05 per 100,000 people, compared with 8.09 per 100,000.
The UKHSA's November ESPAUR report revealed that nearly 400 people are diagnosed with antibiotic-resistant infections each week in England. These infections are harder to treat and can lead to severe complications. Overuse of antibiotics is thought to have made them less effective, contributing to the rise of "superbugs".
Dr Alicia Demirjian, consultant epidemiologist at 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." The NHS advises taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed and not skipping doses.
