Antibiotic-resistant infections are on the rise. Data published in the fall of 2025 shows almost 400 new cases are being reported each week in the UK.
As bacteria adapt to survive antibiotics, vital medicines stop working just when we need them most.
But the fight against superbugs doesn’t just happen in the lab. Here are five easy ways to help fight antibiotic resistance in your everyday life.
1. Consult your GP, nurse or pharmacist before taking antibiotics.
Most colds, coughs, and sore throats are caused by viruses and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them makes bacteria more likely to develop resistance.
Always consult a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist before taking antibiotics, and take them as directed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, even if your symptoms improve.
If you are advised that you don’t need antibiotics, ask what else might help you feel better. Often, rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain relief are all that is needed.
2. Take any remaining antibiotics back to the pharmacy
If you have antibiotics you no longer need, take them to your pharmacy where they can be safely disposed of.
Throwing away antibiotics in the trash can increase the risk of developing resistant bacteria in the environment.
Don’t save it for later. If you are unwell, it is important to first contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to get the correct antibiotic and correct dosage for your current infection.
3. Wash your hands properly
The best way to avoid needing antibiotics is to reduce the chances of you becoming unwell in the first place.
Washing your hands thoroughly, covering your cough and staying home when you are sick are simple, but also your most effective defenses in breaking the chain of infection.
To learn more about the threat posed by antibiotic resistance and how to prevent it, follow: UKHSA Antibiotic Use Maintenance Campaign.
4. Keep your vaccinations up to date
Although vaccinations and antibiotic resistance cannot be linked, they are closely related.
Vaccines prevent infections from occurring in the first place, meaning fewer people need antibiotics.
In fact, vaccination remains one of the most successful public health measures to reduce the need for antibiotics. So make sure you and your loved ones are up to date on the vaccines you are eligible for.
If you are not sure which vaccine is available, check with your GP.
5. Practice safe sex
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, are at near record levels in the UK and are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
It’s important to take effective steps to protect yourself and others from STIs so you can reduce the need for antibiotics in the first place.
The best way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases is to consistently use condoms with new or regular partners. If you’ve had unprotected sex, get tested even if you don’t have symptoms.
Some people with STIs have no symptoms. This means that people often transmit it without realizing it.
Testing is free and confidential and is available at your local sexual health clinic or through a self-sampling kit that can be ordered online. Find testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – NHS.
