People throughout the UK are being encouraged to adopt several preventative measures in light of ‘evolving’ bacteria. A few decades ago, it was commonplace for people to receive antibiotic prescriptions for a broad range of health issues and infections.
Nevertheless, you might observe that some GPs are now considerably more reluctant to prescribe antibiotics, which stems from the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Data from the UK Health Security Agency reveals that almost 400 cases of antibiotic-resistant infections were documented weekly in England.
The primary threat posed by these so-called ‘superbugs’ lies in their increased difficulty to treat owing to their immunity to conventional antibiotics. Infections caused by such antibiotic-resistant bacteria can result in additional complications, including pneumonia and blood infections.
Posting on X, the UKHSA stated: “Bacteria are evolving against antibiotics, with nearly 400 new resistant infections appearing each week in England.”
NHS guidance has emphasised that certain bacterial strains have already been documented as having developed antibiotic resistance due to excessive usage. This includes MRSA, Clostridium difficile, and the bacteria responsible for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
One of the greatest worries is that this superbug trend could result in the emergence of new bacterial strains that cannot be treated with any current antibiotics.
Taking steps against antibiotic-resistant infections
Guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) emphasises that people can contribute to the fight against superdrugs by adopting certain preventative measures in their daily lives.
These include:
- Returning any antibiotics that haven’t been taken so they can be disposed of safely and lower the risk of resistant bacteria developing in the environment
- Practising safe sex, especially to help prevent the spread of some STIs such as gonorrhoea, which is becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant
- Keeping up to date with your vaccinations, which can help prevent infections
- Speaking with a health professional before taking antibiotics, as they may not be needed
- Properly washing your hands and staying at home when you’re feeling unwell
Similarly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) cautions that antibiotic-resistant bacteria could complicate a range of medical procedures, including surgeries, cancer chemotherapy, and caesarean sections. It points out that these antibiotic-resistant infections could not only lead to disability and death but also trigger an ‘antibiotics pipeline and access’ crisis due to escalating resistance levels.
Comprehensive guidance on how you can help combat the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is available on the UKHSA website here.