No antibiotics for viruses

“Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.”

Despite the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against viruses, antibiotic use increases massively when flu activity appears. The unnecessary use of antibiotics makes more and more bacteria resistant to them. This phenomenon of bacterial resistance has become a major public health problem today, both in our country and worldwide.

Key Messages

To use existing antibiotics less frequently and more appropriately, the Directorate of Health is organizing an information campaign for the general public and healthcare professionals. The 2008/2009 campaign on the proper use of antibiotics, “No Antibiotics for Viruses!”, aims to raise awareness of the following key messages:

• The ineffectiveness of antibiotics against viral diseases, such as the flu or the common cold, in both adults and children.

• The increasingly concerning risk of inducing bacterial resistance through inappropriate use of medicines (self-medication, premature discontinuation of treatment, etc.).

• The importance of doctor-patient dialogue.

Information Tools

Several information tools have been produced for the general public:

• 1 TV, cinema, and radio spot

• 1 informational leaflet

• 2 posters available in medical waiting rooms, hospitals, pharmacies, and municipalities

• 1 interactive quiz available in the “Learn More” box below