UK health chiefs warn antibiotics will not cure your cold or flu

The UK Health Security Agency has urged people to stop reaching for antibiotics to treat common colds and flu as the winter season approaches. In a message shared on X, the agency wrote: “Cold or flu? Antibiotics won’t help you. They fight bacteria, not viruses. Help #KeepAntibioticsWorking by only taking them when needed”, reported Bristol Live.

Officials are reminding people that antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections, not viral illnesses such as flu or the common cold. Taking them unnecessarily can fuel antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, where bacteria evolve to survive the drugs meant to kill them. This makes infections harder to treat and can cause life threatening complications.

Pharmacies are being promoted as the first stop for advice if people feel unsure about whether they may need antibiotics. Experts say that using these drugs when they are not required makes them less effective in the long run, leaving patients vulnerable when they do develop more serious infections.

The NHS is instead encouraging people to focus on simple remedies to ease symptoms. For colds, that means plenty of rest, fluids and balanced meals. Hot lemon and honey drinks can soothe a sore throat, while steam inhalation such as sitting in the bathroom while a shower runs can ease congestion.

For flu, keeping warm, staying hydrated and resting are key. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can also help to reduce fever and body aches. Pharmacists are available to guide patients on safe dosages and recommend over the counter products.

The reminder comes as figures show the threat of antibiotic resistance continues to rise. In 2023 there were over 66,700 serious infections in the UK found to be resistant to antibiotics, compared to 62,314 in 2019 before the pandemic.

Globally, AMR is believed to have caused 1.14 million deaths in 2021 and current predictions suggest up to 39 million lives could be lost to antibiotic resistance by 2050 if no action is taken.

The UKHSA said small changes in how antibiotics are used can make a significant difference. Experts stressed: “Don’t take antibiotics for colds and flu – they won’t help because these illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria. If in doubt, go to your local pharmacy for advice”.

“Never save antibiotics for later use – they won’t work properly and could make the problem worse. When prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed by your GP, nurse or pharmacist, to make sure they are effective.”

The NHS also warned that frequent use of antibiotics for minor illnesses increases the risk of them becoming ineffective when treating severe conditions. This overuse encourages the rise of so called superbugs, strains of bacteria that can resist multiple types of antibiotics. One of the most serious examples already affecting communities worldwide is multi drug resistant tuberculosis.

Health leaders hope that by changing public attitudes and encouraging people to reserve antibiotics only for when they are truly needed, the UK can help slow the spread of resistance and protect the power of these vital medicines for the future.