Helping you keep people safe

This page provides guidance for health professionals to help prevent the spread of infection across our services.

By following these steps, you can help protect the people you care for, your colleagues and yourself.

We are backing a campaign by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) aiming to encourage  patients, service users and the general public into taking control of their community’s health by using antibiotics wisely.

The UKHSA believes the misuse and overuse of antibiotics is increasing the risk of bacteria becoming more resistant, which puts some of the most vulnerable members of society at risk of serious illness.

They claim bacteria is becoming resistant to medicines at an increasing rate, turning once-treatable infections into potentially life-threatening conditions. This growing crisis - known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - is deepening health inequalities across our society.

Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said: "Everyone can help us in this fight by only taking antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family. Treat antibiotics with respect and they will be there to help us all in the future.”

As part of their campaign they have issued a four-point plan which aims to better protect communities from the dangers of AMR:

  • Remember that antibiotics are ineffective against colds and flu. Your body can fight these infections on their own
  • Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional
  • Always complete the full course as directed by your healthcare professional
  • Never save antibiotics for later, or share them with anyone else.

The campaign is particularly aimed at those who live in deprived areas, with 42% of people living in those areas facing a higher risk of developing antibiotic-resistant infections.

Around 90% of antibiotic-resistant infections occur in white ethnic groups with Asian and Asian British communities experience the highest proportion of antibiotic resistant infections (nearly 40% of infections), while our declining ability to treat and prevent infections is having an increasing impact, particularly on our poorest communities, who are already more likely to face barriers in accessing healthcare.  

Find out more

Mpox is an infectious disease that is caused by infection with monkeypox virus (MPXV).

For more information, read our specialist guides.