The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a stark warning to Brits over viral infections. The health body, which prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, was speaking about the current risk posed by both flu and Covid-19.
Flu cases are rising in the Uk, with experts warning that the peak is still several weeks away. Experts say they are at 'medium intensity' levels.
Despite this, the UKHSA has advised people to not reach for antibiotics. The body says that they will 'not help you feel better', despite many people thinking they will help.
"If you're suffering with a viral infection like Flu or COVID19 this winter, don't reach for antibiotics. They won't help you feel better. Vaccines are the best way to protect against viruses."
A post on Instagram continued: "Don't take them for colds and flu. Antibiotics don't work against viruses like the ones that cause colds and flu.
"Don't save them for later. If you've been prescribed antibiotics, take them when you've been told to. Take them as directed. Follow the advice of your GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professional."
Assuming that antibiotics will work against viruses is a common misconception. As the NHS says, antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from spreading. But they do not work for everything.
"Many mild bacterial infections get better on their own without using antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as colds and flu, and most coughs," the website says.
"When it comes to antibiotics, take your doctor's advice on whether you need them or not. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem - taking antibiotics when you do not need them can mean they will not work for you in the future."
Antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat the likes of chest infections, ear infections in children, and sore throats. There were 3,037 beds taken up by patients with flu in England's NHS hospitals on Sunday December 15, according to the latest figures.
That's up from 2,209 a week earlier and 1,251 on Sunday December 1. English NHS hospitals had an average of 2,629 flu patients between December 9 and 15 this year. At the same time last year there were five-times fewer flu patients, an average of just 566. In 2022 there were an average of 1,657 flu patients and in 2021 there were just 31.