To effectively reduce AMR, we must all use antimicrobials prudently and appropriately and take preventive measures to reduce the incidence of infections.
Infection prevention is key as preventing and controlling infections will lead to fewer antimicrobial drugs being used, meaning less risk of bacteria developing resistance.
The following actions can help reduce the need for antimicrobials and minimise the emergence of AMR:
- Strengthen Infection Prevention and Control practice. Strong IPC is the most effective approach to controlling the spread of AMR.
- Prevent infection through practices such as hand washing, adequate cleaning, catching coughs and sneezes, staying home if you are unwell and ensuring adequate ventilation in the home.
- Encourage staff and residents to get vaccinated against seasonal flu and COVID-19 and other preventable illness.
- Handle antibiotics with care – ensure residents receive the prescribed antibiotic on time and complete the prescribed course.
- Only take antibiotics if you have been advised by a healthcare professional. Do not hoard or share antibiotics with friends and family.
- Old medicines should be taken back to the pharmacy, not thrown away in general waste or flushed down the toilet, otherwise these can pollute the environment.
- Prevent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) by promoting hydration among the residents.
- Raise awareness of AMR among colleagues.
Find out more on how to tackle AMR and help keep antibiotics working effectively in the future by visiting the Antibiotic Guardian website here.