PATIENTS in mid Cheshire have been warned about the dangers of overusing antibiotics.

Vale Royal and South Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Groups are issuing advice on the best way to treat symptoms of illness.

As winter closes in many people will develop coughs, colds and flu, but the CCGs say to visit a healthcare professional.

Dr Fiona McGregor-Smith, GP and prescribing lead at the South Cheshire and Vale Royal, said: “It is a common misconception that antibiotics are a cure-all, but the reality is, they just won’t work in the case of a cold or the flu.

“There are many different types of antibiotics and they work against bacterial infections, not viral infections, such as colds, coughs and flu.”

“In recent years, the over-usage of antibiotics has actually led to the development and spread of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

“Where people contract infections caused by these antibiotic-resistant bacteria, they will take much longer to get better and in some cases could become seriously ill.”

The World Health Organisation says that one of the biggest threats to global health is taking antibiotics when they are not needed as it ‘accelerates emergence of resistance.’

Dr McGregor-Smith added: “If you have been prescribed antibiotics it’s really important that you finish taking the full course, even if you feel better.

“If you stop taking an antibiotic part way through a course, the bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotic.”

For more information visit nhs.uk/staywell