Antibiotics work only against bacteria.
They do not work against viruses like cold or flu.
Taking them without need won't help you recover faster.
They can also cause side effects.
Always check with your doctor first
Never take antibiotics on your own.
Don't use a prescription meant for someone else.
Don't repeat old medicine for a new illness.
Every infection - and every person - is different.
Only a doctor can tell you what's right for you.
Unnecessary antibiotic use is a growing problem.
It helps bacteria become resistant to medicines.
This makes future infections harder to treat.
It affects your family and community too.
Responsible use protects everyone, not just you.
A fever, cough, sore throat or runny nose does not automatically mean you need an antibiotic.
Many common respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses. Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses.
That is why the first step should be understanding the likely cause of an illness rather than automatically reaching for an antibiotic.
WHO identifies misuse and overuse of antibiotics as major drivers of resistance worldwide.
Not every fever or cough needs a prescription. Here’s why taking antibiotics you don’t need can do more harm than good.
Unnecessary antibiotic use won’t help you recover faster. It only adds the risk of side effects and contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Six simple topics to help you use antibiotics the right way.
Saying no to antibiotics doesn't mean doing nothing. Here's what responsible care looks like.
Do not change or stop prescribed antibiotic treatment on your own. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional and ask them if you have concerns.
Follow the instructions provided with your medicine or contact your healthcare professional or pharmacist for advice. Do not automatically double the next dose.
Only when specifically advised by a qualified healthcare professional.
No. The most appropriate antibiotic depends on the infection and individual clinical circumstances.
In specific medical situations, antibiotics may be used preventively. However, they do not prevent ordinary viral infections such as the common cold.
No. Antibiotics do not prevent influenza.
No. Antibiotics do not prevent viral colds.
A bacterial infection may sometimes occur alongside or after another illness. The decision should be based on clinical assessment.
The response depends on the infection, the medicine and the individual. If symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected, seek medical advice.
Contact the healthcare professional managing the infection rather than changing the medicine yourself.
Yes. Resistant bacteria can spread between people, making antibiotic resistance a community concern.
Yes. Resistant bacteria can spread through contact and other routes depending on the organism and infection.
Good infection-prevention practices can reduce the spread of infections, including resistant infections.
Vaccination can prevent certain infections and therefore may reduce the need for antibiotic treatment for those infections.
Yes. Safe food and water practices can help reduce the risk of certain infections.
No. Antibiotics can be lifesaving and highly beneficial when appropriately used for bacterial infections.
No. The campaign is about saying no to unnecessary antibiotic use. Antibiotics remain important when medically indicated.
It means using antibiotics only when appropriate, taking them according to professional guidance and avoiding self-medication or sharing medicines.
Homeopathy should not be promoted as a replacement for antibiotics when an antibiotic is medically necessary. Appropriate treatment should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.
Do not stop or replace prescribed treatment without discussing it with the healthcare professional managing your condition.
Most common colds are viral and do not require antibiotics. Speak with a healthcare professional about appropriate symptom management if needed.
Frequent or recurring infections deserve proper medical evaluation to understand the possible cause and determine appropriate management.
Instead of asking specifically for antibiotics, ask what is causing the illness and whether an antibiotic is actually necessary.
Do not self-medicate. Use antibiotics only when medically appropriate and follow professional guidance.
Speak with a qualified healthcare professional and use reliable medical sources such as the World Health Organization for evidence-based information.
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria.
No. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as most common colds and influenza.
Yes. A bacterial infection can sometimes develop after a viral illness. If symptoms worsen or change, medical evaluation may be appropriate.
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop or acquire mechanisms that allow them to survive antibiotics that would normally affect them.
No. Antibiotic resistance refers to microorganisms, such as bacteria, becoming resistant to medicines.
It can make bacterial infections harder to treat and can increase the risk of complications and spread.
Yes. WHO reports that resistance increased in more than 40% of monitored pathogen–antibiotic combinations between 2018 and 2023.
WHO reported that approximately 1 in 6 laboratory-confirmed bacterial infections worldwide were resistant to antibiotics in 2023.
Yes. Antibiotics can cause side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, stomach discomfort and skin reactions.
Yes. Antibiotics can alter the microorganisms that normally live in the gut and elsewhere in the body.
Yes. Diarrhoea is a commonly reported side effect of some antibiotics.
Yes. Some people can experience allergic reactions to antibiotics, ranging from mild rashes to serious reactions.
No, It is safer to consult a qualified healthcare professional rather than self-medicate with antibiotics.
No. Do not share antibiotics. A medicine suitable for another person may not be appropriate for you.
No. Do not reuse leftover antibiotics without professional medical advice.
No, It is not advisable to keep and reuse antibiotics for future illnesses without medical guidance.
Recurring symptoms should be evaluated rather than automatically treated with the same antibiotic.
No. Many childhood fevers are caused by viral infections. A healthcare professional should determine whether an antibiotic is appropriate.
No. Many childhood fevers are caused by viral infections. A healthcare professional should determine whether an antibiotic is appropriate.
No. Children should not be given leftover or previously prescribed antibiotics without appropriate medical advice.
Some antibiotics can be used during pregnancy when medically necessary, while others may not be appropriate. Pregnant patients should consult their healthcare professional before taking any medicine.
Some antibiotics can be used during breastfeeding, while others require specific consideration. Discuss any antibiotic with your healthcare professional.
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