Call to curb overuse of antibiotics.

TEESSIDERS are being warned that overuse of antibiotics can do more harm than good.

Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in the North-east have joined forces to launch a campaign to stop unnecessary requests for antibiotics.

The campaign stresses adults can fight off most types of infection themselves and that antibiotics will not cure many common complaints such as colds and flu.

Jo Linton, assistant director of medicines management for Middlesbrough PCT and Redcar and Cleveland PCT, said: "The unnecessary use and overuse of antibiotics can actually do more harm than good because bacteria can build up a resistance to the antibiotic, meaning when we really need antibiotics - they won't work as well."

Director of public health, Peter Kelly, said: ""Antibiotics are very important drugs designed to treat specific illnesses caused by bacteria. Coughs and colds are typically caused by viral infections and antibiotics will not have any effect in dealing with them.

"We are not trying to discourage anyone who is concerned about their own or their children's health from visiting their doctor but, at the same time, it is important that people understand why they will not be prescribed antibiotics for coughs, colds and flu."

CAPTION(S):

WARNING: Jo Linton, left, says overusing antibiotics can actually do people more harm than good