‘Keep Antibiotics Working’ is a new campaign from Public Health England (PHE) warning people that taking antibiotics when they are not needed puts them at risk of a more severe or longer infection.

The campaign urges the public to always trust their doctor, nurse or pharmacy team’s advice as to when they need antibiotics and if they are prescribed, take antibiotics as directed and never save them for later use or share them with others. The campaign also provides self care advice to help people feel better when suffering from conditions that antibiotics are not effective for, such as coughs, ear ache and sore throats.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer, commented: “Without effective antibiotics, minor infections could become deadly and many medical advances could be at risk; surgery, chemotherapy and caesareans could become simply too dangerous. But reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics can help us stay ahead of superbugs. The public has a critical role to play and can help by taking collective action. I welcome the launch of the ‘Keep Antibiotics Working’ campaign, and remember that antibiotics are not always needed so always take your doctor’s advice.”