The most common reason people visit their GP when suffering with a winter illness is because they think they need antibiotics. Most common illnesses like coughs and colds are caused by viral infections therefore antibiotics won’t work.

The pharmacy team has a key role in antibiotic guardianship:-

• As many common ailments will get better with time reassure patients and offer advice on products available to help them manage their symptoms
• Reassure customers and give advice on how long symptoms typically last

• It’s important to give advice on any warning symptoms they should look out for, so they know when to seek additional medical advice.

• Raising awareness of the risks of antibiotic resistance and managing customers’ expectations about their use.