The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) prevents, prepares for, and responds to infectious and environmental hazards to keep our communities safe. UKHSA has launched its Keep Antibiotics Working campaign to raise awareness of the importance of using antibiotics correctly.

Andi Biotic, an anthropomorphic pill, is on a mission to spread the word about why antibiotics matter and how we can keep them working for the future.

What are antibiotics? 💊

Antibiotics are used to treat serious bacterial infections. They kill bacteria or prevent them from spreading, but they do not work for everything. Many mild infections, including those that aren’t caused by bacteria, can get better on their own without antibiotics.

What is antibiotic resistance?🦠

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to defeat the antibiotics designed to kill them. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have made them less effective and have contributed to the rise of “superbugs”.

Why does this matter? ⚠️

Antibiotic resistance affects everyone. Even if you rarely take antibiotics, there may come a time when you need them and they may no longer work if resistance continues to grow.

What can we all do to help? ✅

• Never share antibiotics with others
• Never store or save antibiotics for future use
• Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional
• NEVER demand antibiotics and always follow the advice of the healthcare professionals 

For more information on Andi Biotic and the UKHSA, click here.