Antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant threats to patient safety in Ireland, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has warned.

The discovery and development of effective antibiotics in the 1940s and 1950s meant that many serious infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB) were no longer seen as potential killers. These drugs are also used to treat common infections, such as urinary tract infections.

However, the overuse and misuse of these drugs has led to the problem of antibiotic resistance, whereby bacteria change and build up a resistance to drugs that have been used over a long period of time and in great numbers.

The IPU emphasised that antibiotics need to be respected as a ‘precious life-saving medicine to be used sparingly and appropriately and only when absolutely necessary'.

"Repeated and improper use of antibiotics is the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance in Ireland and around the world. If we allow antibiotic resistance to grow, the antibiotics used to treat infections today will become ineffective or will stop working altogether in the future.

"This will not only cripple our ability to fight routine infections, but will also undermine the treatment of more complicated infections, especially in patients with chronic diseases," explained IPU president, Daragh Connolly.

The IPU reminded people that antibiotics do not work on viruses, including colds and the flu.

"It has been medically proven that antibiotics are only effective for bacterial infections and do not work for the common cold, coughs, a sore throat or sinus infections, which are caused by viruses.

"It is important to remember too that flu is an extremely contagious respiratory illness and can lead to serious illness, even death, particularly for elderly patients and those suffering from chronic illnesses or a weakened immune system. The flu vaccination, which is available from your GP or local pharmacy, is the best way to reduce your chances of getting seasonal flu and spreading it to others," Mr Connolly said.

The IPU offers the following tips to people:
-Do not take antibiotics for colds and flu
-If you do need to take an antibiotic, take it exactly as prescribed and always finish the course even if you are feeling better
-Do not share antibiotics with others
-Do not save antibiotics for later
-Do not expect to be prescribed antibiotics for viral conditions.