GPs in Waltham Forest have issued a call for people to use antibiotics responsibly, backing the fight against what they say is one of the biggest threats to global health.

World Antibiotic Awareness Week which runs from November 12 to 18 calls into light the issue of antibiotic resistance, which is sped up by taking the medication when not needed.

This makes it more difficult to treat common infections – increasing the risk that some could potentially become incurable.

Dr Ravi Gupta, clinical director for prescribing at NHS Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “In many circumstances, antibiotics can be life-saving drugs but if they are not used properly they might not work in the future.

“That’s why this World Antibiotic Awareness Week we’re reminding everyone to make sure that they use antibiotics responsibly and always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional before taking them.”

The chances of antibiotics not working increases when they are not taken correctly, a full course of antibiotics is unfinished or when people take antibiotics which have not been prescribed to them.

Dr Gupta added: “The more we use antibiotics, the greater the chance bacteria will become resistant to them.

“It’s important that we all use antibiotics as prescribed by our doctor, as well as remembering that in some instances, like with a cold, antibiotics have no effect. Using antibiotics the right way means they are more likely to work when we really need them.”

Every winter there is a rise in people demanding antibiotics from their GP for viral infections such as colds and flu, but Waltham Forest CCG is keen to remind people that antibiotics do not kill viruses.