Help prevent antibiotic resistance and protect the people you care about from harmful bacteria - World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week

17 November 2025

18-24 November is World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW)

Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats we face.

What is antibiotic resistance?

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria, but every time we take them, we give the bacteria a chance to fight back. Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria find a way to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. Some bacteria have now become resistant to all antibiotics and cannot be killed at all.

Resistant bacteria spread easily from person to person, especially if they’re in close contact. This happens in your home, in the community and in hospital. People can therefore ‘carry’ resistant bacteria even if they’ve never been ill or taken antibiotics.

If we stop overusing and misusing antibiotics, resistance can slow down, and antibiotics may start to work again.

Help prevent antibiotic resistance and protect the people you care about from harmful bacteria

Antibiotics are used to treat a range of infections caused by bacteria. They don’t work for viral infections, including colds and flu, and most coughs and sore throats.

• Only take antibiotics when they’re prescribed by your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or dentist
• Never share antibiotics with family, friends or pets
• Always return unused antibiotics to your local pharmacy – don’t throw them away. This contaminates our rivers, threatening human and animal health.

Remember: antibiotics aren’t always the solution. Speak to your doctor, practice nurse or pharmacist for more information.