Antibiotic resistance is one of the “greatest health threats”, according to the UKHSA
People are being urged to only take antibiotics when told to by a health professional(Image: Shared Content Unit)
The public are being urged to follow professional advice in the face of one of the “greatest health threats” we face as a country, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
In the wake of a rise in antibiotic-resistance infections, the UKHSA is urging people to only take antibiotics when they have been told to do so by a health professional.
Data released by the UKHSA shows that the total number of antibiotic-resistant infections in 2024 equates to an average of nearly 400 new cases each week.
Cases of bacteraemia, a life-threatening infection where bacteria circulate in the blood, caused by antibiotic-resistance have increased by 9.3% since 2023, rising from 18,740 cases in 2023 to 20,484 cases in 2024.
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Professor Susan Hopkins, chief executive of UKHSA, has warned that this is “one of the greatest health threats” we face.
The chief executive of the UKHSA has said we need antibiotic use to reduce further(Image: PA)
Professor Hopkins said: “Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health threats we face. More people than ever are acquiring infections that cannot be effectively treated by antibiotics.”
The UKHSA data showed that the estimated number of deaths in people with a resistant infection also increased from 2,041 deaths in 2023 to 2,379 deaths in 2024, an increase of 338 deaths in one year.
The UKHSA chief executive continued: “This puts them at greater risk of serious illness and even death, with our poorest communities hit the hardest.
“We are united with partners globally in finding new ways to tackle this complex problem. This includes using antibiotics in a way that doesn’t contribute to the spread of resistance, researching new types of treatments and preventing infections from occurring in the first place.”
In an urgent plea issued to the public to reduce antibiotic use in England, Professor Hopkins said: “Please remember to only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family.
“If you have leftover antibiotics, please bring them to a pharmacy for appropriate disposal. It’s also important to take up the vaccinations you are eligible for to help stop infections in the first place.”
Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally but there are ways that it can be tackled, including by limiting antibiotic use to where it’s most needed.
While anyone can acquire a resistant infection, adults over the age of 45 years continue to be the most at risk, accounting for 90% of cases. Nearly half (46.2%) were detected in people over 74.
Research suggests risk increases with age because individuals are more likely to develop multiple medical conditions as they get older and have more exposure to medical interventions.
Health Minister Zubir Ahmed said: “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious threats to public health, both in the UK and globally. These figures demonstrate the scale of the challenge we face and underline why tackling AMR is a key priority for this government.
Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally but there are ways that it can be tackled, including by limiting antibiotic use to where it’s most needed(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
“It is deeply concerning that people in our most deprived communities are disproportionately affected by antibiotic-resistant infections. We are determined to address these inequalities as part of our 10 Year Health Plan to ensure everyone, no matter where they live, gets the care they need.
“We will continue working closely with UKHSA, the NHS and international partners to tackle this growing threat. Everyone has a role to play – by using antibiotics responsibly, taking up vaccinations, and following the advice of clinicians, we can all help preserve these vital medicines for future generations.”