Antibiotic misuse rate rises in winter

The misuse of antibiotics is fuelling the development and spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Australia, according to figures compiled by the National Prescribing Service (NPS).

Despite the threat of super bugs in our hospitals and community, more than one in four people continue to believe that antibiotics are effective against common colds. Medicare Australia data shows that the volume of commonly used antibiotics usually peaks in August of each year – around double the volume dispensed in January the same year.

“Our high volume of use in winter probably shows that people continue to believe antibiotics can help their common cold,” says Judith Mackson from the NPS.

Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, and are powerless against the viruses that cause common colds.

If you have been prescribed antibiotics it is important not to stop taking antibiotics in the middle of a treatment, when you start to feel better, and not to save them for later use.

The ‘common colds need common sense, not antibiotics’ campaign run by NPS aims to educate people as to why they shouldn’t expect to be prescribed antibiotics when they have a cold. The campaign ends on the last day of winter, Friday, August 31.