New campaign to warn about use of antibiotics

Health bosses estimate 60,000 people will die every year by 2047 due to dangerous bacteria becoming resistant to the drug.

Medical director Paul Cosford said: “Not only are these drugs ineffective against the common cold and other viruses, but taking them incorrectly may risk your health and potentially the health of those closest to you.

“This campaign aims to warn people of the huge dangers of antibiotic resistance and help people better understand the best treatment for them.”

Last year, The Gazette revealed how Blackpool had the highest rate of antibiotic prescribing in the North West, prompting a plea from Dr Amanda Doyle, the town’s clinical commissioning group (CCG)’s chief clinical officer.

She said at the time: “Antibiotics are seen as a quick fix but if we become resistant to them they won’t work when needed.”