Antibiotic-resistant infections are on the rise. Data published in autumn 2025 shows there are nearly 400 new cases reported every week in England.
When bacteria adapt to survive antibiotics, vital medicines stop working when we need them most.
But the fight against superbugs isn't just happening in laboratories – here are 5 easy ways to help the fight against antibiotic resistance in our day-to-day lives.
1. Talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist before taking antibiotics
Most colds, coughs and sore throats are caused by viruses, which means they can't be treated by antibiotics.
Taking antibiotics when you don't need them gives bacteria more chances to develop resistance.
Always talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking antibiotics – and take as directed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist, even if you feel better.
If the advice is that you don't need antibiotics, ask what else can help you feel better – often rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relief are all you need.
2. Take leftover antibiotics back to the pharmacy
If you have antibiotics that are no longer needed, take them back to a pharmacy where they can be disposed of safely.
Throwing antibiotics in the bin could lead to higher risks of resistant bacteria developing in the environment.
Don't save them for later – if you're unwell it's vital to speak to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist first, so that you get the right antibiotic and the right dose for your current infection.
3. Wash your hands properly
The best way to avoid needing antibiotics is to reduce your chances of becoming unwell in the first place.
Thorough handwashing, covering your mouth when you cough and staying home when you're unwell are simple, but they're also the most effective defences we have for breaking chains of infection.
For more information on the threats from antimicrobial resistance and how we can help prevent it, follow the UKHSA Keep Antibiotics Working campaign.
4. Stay up to date with your vaccinations
You might not connect vaccinations with antibiotic resistance, but they're closely linked.
Vaccines prevent infections from happening in the first place, which means fewer people need antibiotics.
In fact, vaccination remains one of the most successful public health measures for reducing the need for antibiotics – so please do make sure you and your loved ones are up-to-date with the vaccines they are eligible for.
Check with your GP if you're unsure what vaccines are available to you.
5. Practice safe sex
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhoea – which are at near record levels in the UK – are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
It’s important to take effective steps to protect yourself and others from STIs so that we reduce demand for antibiotics in the first place.
The best way to protect yourself from STIs is to use condoms consistently with new or casual partners. If you've had unprotected sex, get tested – even if you have no symptoms.
Some people with STIs have no symptoms, which means people often pass them on without realising it.
Testing is free, confidential and available through local sexual health clinics or via self-sampling kits you can order online: Find sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment - NHS.