The celebrations are focused on the theme ‘Rational use of medicines and antibiotics’ and the aim is to train in-house nurses and pharmacy staff on the topic.
Priya Naicker, local pharmacy manager, says the topic ‘Use Antibiotics Wisely’, talks directly to the patients’ responsibility to avoid resorting to antibiotics for a common cold.
This will increase the risk of anti microbial resistance, which means loss of effective medicines as the incorrect usage of antibiotics can stop them from working when you really need them.
“We all need to become responsible about the antibiotics we take.”
In addition patients should know, for example what is an antibiotic, how to keep antibiotics strong enough to fight infection and to practice hygienic measures to prevent infections.
There are two types of antibiotics, the broad and narrow spectrum.
Broad spectrums are used to treat infectious diseases and various bacterias, where as the narrow only kills a limited number of bacteria.
She says everyone can protect themselves by practicing good hygiene:
Hygiene tips
- Wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of getting colds and flu by at least 80%.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and moth unnecessary.
- Vaccines are available to prevent getting the flu.
- Ensure that children are up to date with their vaccinations.
She says everybody has a role to play in using antibiotics responsibly.
“Use antibiotics wisely and don’t use them for every cold and flu and do not share your prescribed medicines or take leftover antibiotics,” she says.
The best way to treat colds and flu
- Enough bed rest.
- Drink enough fluids.
- Stay at home to avoid spreading infections.
Naicker says the community should speak to their pharmacist to treat the symptoms and take multi vitamins which will boost their immune systems.
