Resistance to antibiotics is an increasingly serious public health problem not just in Wales or the UK but also in Europe. The number of infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria is increasing but the number of new antibiotics in the pipeline is unpromising.

You don’t need antibiotics to get well soon for a number of conditions – in fact the evidence is that long-term it might harm your health.

The best way to treat many conditions like sore throats, coughs and colds is by drinking plenty of fluids and rest.

Colds can last as long as two weeks and may result in a cough and bringing up phlegm.

There are many over-the-counter remedies to ease the symptoms, such as paracetamol.

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

This means that we have to do everything we can to make sure that available antibiotics are effective. This is not just for patients who are ill now but also for those in the future.

For further information please visit:

Public Health Wales: www.publichealthwales.wales.nhs.uk/ Welsh Government: www.wales.gov.uk/topics/health Any queries about this leaflet