HEALTH officials in Worcestershire are advising people against the use of antibiotics for winter illnesses.

The three Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups – NHS Worcestershire, NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove and NHS Wyre Forest – are advising against the use of them to treat coughs, colds and flu.

Despite 44 per cent of people who visit the GP suffering from a cold or flu want or think they need antibiotics, conditions such as these, cannot be treated by antibiotics.

Antibiotics are important medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria.

The best way to treat most colds, coughs or sore throats is to drink plenty of fluids and to rest and there are many over the counter remedies to ease the symptoms, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

If the cold lasts more than three weeks, or you become breathless or have chest pains, see your doctor.

Jane Freeguard, head of medicines commissioning for the three Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: “By only using antibiotics when it’s right to do so, we can slow down resistance and make sure these life-saving medicines remain effective when we need them most.

“We now know that most coughs and colds get better just as quickly without antibiotics. So if you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms drink plenty of fluids, rest and consult your pharmacist about medicines to help you with your symptoms.”