While almost half (44 per cent) of people surveyed think antibiotic resistance is only a problem for people who take antibiotics regularly.
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Health officials in the United Kingdom cautioned the public, especially pet owners, to be more careful in their antibiotic use as cats and dogs can transmit drug-resistant infections to anyone.
A multi-country survey was conducted in 12 countries having 14 questions based on the use of antibiotics, information of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The survey found that nearly two thirds (64 per cent) respondents said that they know antibiotic resistance is an issue that could affect them and their families, but how it affects them and what they can do to address it are not well understood. Dr. Urvashi Rangan, who leads and directs the Consumer Safety and Sustainability Group for Consumer Reports, said the routine use of antibiotics in healthy animals is contributing to this problem.
Some 66 percent trust people are not during risk of a drug-resistant infection if they privately take their antibiotics as prescribed.
Raising awareness of antibiotic resistance is closely linked to this year’s Stay Well This Winter campaign, which gives the public advice on how to look after themselves during the winter period.
Consumers need to know that viral infections, the cause of most colds and coughs, don’t respond to antibiotics, she said.
“By making just one pledge, whether that is not expecting an antibiotic for a self-limiting illness, taking up the offer of a free flu jab or ensuring the responsible use of all antibiotics, we can fight resistance together”.
“One of a biggest health hurdles of a 21st century will need tellurian function change by people and societies”.
“If you do take antibiotics for example that you might have at home otherwise for a previous infection you haven’t finished, well in that case what happens is that you can develop individual resistance to bacterial infections”.
During Antibiotic Awareness Week, pharmacists and doctors spoke to colleagues, patients and visitors about the importance of using antibiotics only when they are absolutely necessary.
“The arise of antibiotic insurgency is a tellurian health crisis”, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan told reporters in a telebriefing from a organization’s Geneva headquarters.
A WHO report in April showed there were “major gaps” in all regions of the world in addressing the problem and reining in overuse and misuse of antibiotics.
The plan is consistent with a similar global plan adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2015.
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A recent poll found that many Americans believe that antibiotic resistance occurs when the person taking the medicine becomes resistant to its effects and will not take a full course of medication to limit their exposure.
