Wiltshire residents have been urged not to misuse or overuse antibiotics, amidst rising antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria and viruses become immune to medicines and is a key focus of the World Health Organisation.

The Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (SWB ICB) have warned residents that the misuse of antibiotics can fuel rising resistance.

Connie Timmins, SWB ICB’s Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control, said: “We rely heavily on antibiotics for making us feel better when we are suffering from infections caused by bacteria.

“Antimicrobial resistance is very concerning, as it has the potential to make many of the drugs that we take for granted in everyday health and care less effective or, in some cases, ineffective.

“We’ve all seen the posters about antibiotics not being designed for colds and flu, and that is absolutely right, as taking them when not needed can fuel antimicrobial resistance”.

Mrs Timmins also urged people to follow medical advice when using antibiotics.

She added: “The best thing local people can do to help slow the rise of antimicrobial resistance is to always follow the advice of their doctor or pharmacist when given a course of antibiotics.”

People are also advised to dispose of excess drugs at a pharmacy rather than at home.