Community pharmacists are in the perfect position to help patients manage self-limiting infections, such as colds, most coughs, sinusitis, ear infections and sore throats, says Public Health England’s pharmacy lead for antimicrobial resistance and stewardship Dr Diane Ashiru-Oredope. She gives her tips for helping minimise the public tendency to reach for antibiotics at the first opportunity
 

1. Encourage uptake of the flu vaccine 

Flu vaccinations can reduce complications and the magnitude of flu symptoms, reducing the need for antibiotics. To boost uptake of the vaccine, pharmacists can provide it themselves or signpost at-risk patients to their nearest flu vaccination service.
 

2. Get behind antibiotic awareness initiatives 

All pharmacies should actively promote events like European Antibiotic Awareness Day, which is held every year on November 18. In-store promotional activity should be created to raise awareness of EAAD, and pharmacists can support the initiative by becoming an antibiotic guardian. Pharmacists should also encourage their customers to become antibiotic guardians. Guardians (healthcare professionals or members of the public) select a pledge as to how they will make better use of antibiotics on the antibiotic guardian website¹, which also includes links to resources² by Pharmacy Voice on how to treat symptoms for cold and flu and also resources for local promotional activities.
 

3. Reassure them of illness duration 

During patient consultations, pharmacists can highlight the common length of time a condition can last. Cough or bronchitis can last up to 21 days and a sore throat around seven days.3 Generally, a sore throat needs no treatment, but symptoms such as feeling significantly unwell, coughing up blood, chest pain or difficulty breathing warrant a GP appointment.
 

4. Follow Public Health England recommendations 

When assessing a patient’s cough, sore throat or common cold, refer to the patient information guide, developed by Public Health England and several regulatory bodies³. This gives key self-care advice, which can help prevent the need for a GP appointment. Not only will it ensure your advice is consistent with the GP’s, but it also explains why antibiotics should only be used when they are really needed to help convince sceptical patients.
 

5. Recommend alternative treatments 

Pharmacists can advise patients with upper respiratory tract infections to try analgesic preparations such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, use inhalation techniques, get plenty of rest, keep hydrated and ensure their hands are clean to prevent the spread of viruses. Most sore throats will get better without antibiotics. Patients should be provided with advice on how to self-care and treat their symptoms with over the counter medicines.
 

For advice on how to manage sore throats and other symptoms of respiratory infections, RB recommends visiting the sore throat CPD modules on www.rbforhealth.co.uk

For further information on Antibiotic Resistance please visit chemistanddruggist.co.uk/antibioticresistance
 

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Strefen Honey & Lemon lozenges 

Contain flurbiprofen for “fast, targeted and long lasting relief” for sore throats.

The NSAID inhibits prostaglandin production to reduce swelling and inflammation,and ease difficulty swallowing.

 

 

Strefen Honey & Lemon. Each lozenge contains Flurbiprofen BP 8.75mg. Indication: Symptomatic relief of sore throat. Legal category: P. Product Licence Holder: Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd,103-105 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire SL1 3UH, UK. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contraindications, and method of use can be found at: http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/21629

 

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References 
1. Antibiotic Guardian (2014) available from www. antibioticguardian.com>
2. Treat yourself better with pharmacist advice (2014) Your day by day guide to cold and flu symptoms and self-treatment , available from www.treatyourselfbetter.co.uk>
3. Royal College of General Practitioners Guide to treat your infection, available from http://bit.ly/1zzKn4n

This article was developed in partnership with RB UK. UK/STF-OTC/1014/0004c