Antibiotics have saved many lives over the past 65 years. But resistance has become a dangerous problem. MRSA and the New Delhi superbug NDM-1 are examples.
Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses.
They should not be prescribed for colds and influenza. Where they are correctly prescribed, patients should finish the course.
In the Philippines, many antibiotics are bought without prescription or proper diagnosis. "Hiyang" (lucky) applies - whatever the cause of the fever, they worked before so they're used again.
Antibiotics are also used in UK, Philippines and elsewhere for livestock, causing more resistance.
Doing nothing is not an option. Resistence has medical and financial costs - relatively more in the Philippines than the UK. Drug-resistant TB, for example, costs much more to treat.
Antibiotics should not be overused or misused. Members could help their loved ones in both our countries by trying to make sure they're only used appropriately.
Making new antibiotics is not that attractive to drug companies - successful treatment cures the patient. That's good for the patient and bad for the company. But new drugs are urgently needed.
