The so-called European Antibiotic Day took place last week. It aims to increase awareness of the judicious use of antibiotics and the associated risk of bacterial resistance, but also provides a platform and support for national campaigns for the prudent use of antibiotics leading to open patient-doctor collaboration.
EAAD falls on 18 November each year and this year pharmacies focused primarily on topical antibiotics in the campaign, which ran from 14-20 November. These are often and incorrectly used for self-treatment. Antibiotics are prescription medicine and it is essential that patients always follow their doctor's advice when taking them. The National Institute of Public Health, in collaboration with ECDC and WHO, is preparing information materials to help raise patient awareness of the prudent use of antibiotics.
