NHS to launch ‘Super Bodies’ campaign to help parents understand when antibiotics are, and aren’t, needed
Parents and carers across Derby and Derbyshire are being encouraged to learn more about common childhood illnesses and when antibiotics are, and are not needed, as a new campaign launches in community pharmacies.
The ‘Super Bodies’ campaign, launching today, aims to help families feel more confident managing common childhood conditions such as earache, sore throat and cough, while highlighting the important role community pharmacies can play in providing advice, reassurance and support.
Parents and carers can expect to see Super Bodies campaign materials appearing in 190 pharmacies across Derby and Derbyshire, including posters, leaflets and information cards.
The campaign, delivered in partnership with NHS Derby and Derbyshire, Community Pharmacy Derbyshire, and community pharmacy teams across the county coincides with children returning to school and nursery settings when we often see an increase in illnesses.
The messaging forms part of a wider programme of work to support the appropriate use of antibiotics and tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across Derbyshire.
Antimicrobial resistance happens when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of serious illness.
Michael Pritchard, a Pharmacist in Derbyshire said; “Antibiotics are one of the most important medicines we have and, for many children, they can be an essential and sometimes life-saving treatment.
“However, antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, and many common childhood illnesses, including coughs, sore throats and earaches, are either caused by viruses, or will get better on their own as a child’s immune system fights the infection.
“When antibiotics are used unnecessarily, they won’t help children recover any faster, but they can contribute to antimicrobial resistance. This is when bacteria adapt over time and become more difficult to treat with the antibiotics we rely on.”
Supported by trained pharmacy teams, the campaign will provide practical advice on common childhood illnesses and help families better understand the role of antibiotics and when they may, or may not, be needed.