PR98873

LONDON, November, 18, 2022/PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

A new global study launched during World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW,

18-24 November) shows a high dependence on antibiotics for treating respiratory

conditions like sore throat, which is helping to fuel antibiotic resistance -

the third leading cause of death worldwide, associated with 4.95 million deaths

a year.

The Sore Throat & Antibiotic Resistance (STAR) study, commissioned by the

Global Respiratory Infection Partnership (GRIP) and Reckitt, the makers of

Strepsils, found that over half of adults surveyed had taken antibiotics for a

respiratory condition like a sore throat in the past six months despite

antibiotics being ineffective for 9 out of 10 sore throats. Upper respiratory

tract infections represent the leading cause for global antibiotic misuse in

adults.

The STAR study findings suggest that a misunderstanding of how to treat sore

throats is contributing to antibiotic overuse. 61% of adults under 35 believe

antibiotics are effective for a sore throat, and almost half (45%) this age

group don't know how to treat respiratory conditions without antibiotics. This

high level of confusion may explain why 38% of under 35s feel anxious about

being treated for respiratory conditions like a sore throat without antibiotics.

However, this anxiety is mostly misplaced. Almost all sore throats don't

require antibiotics as they are caused by viruses, not bacterial infections.

Sufferers usually benefit more from anti-inflammatory throat lozenges and

painkillers for their symptoms.

During WAAW, GRIP - an expert-led initiative to educate medical professional

stakeholders on antibiotic misuse in respiratory illnesses - is urging the

public to lead the way against misuse by asking a healthcare expert if

antibiotics are appropriate and to consider alternative treatments and

symptomatic relief.

Commenting on the study, GRIP Chair Professor Sabiha Essack says:

"The results of this study are of concern as the under 35s - our leaders and

workforce of the future - incorrectly believe that antibiotics work for all

sore throats and colds and may be unaware of the consequences of inappropriate

antibiotic use on a personal and public health level. GRIP is calling for

awareness and education on appropriate antibiotic use and urging young people

to ask questions to help fight antibiotic resistance."

For more information or interviews with GRIP experts Sabiha Essack & Martin

Duerden: Jamie.wilkes@emotiveagency.com, +44 20 8154 6389

Infographic - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1949298/GRIP_Infographic.jpg

SOURCE: The Global Respiratory Infection Partnership (GRIP)