To think that we should be able to buy antibiotics accross the counter like a good number of other countries

[Carollocking]

Why do we need to go through the rigmarole of doctors just to get an antibiotic when we know what we need.
What reason is there to prevent us access to them without seeing a doctor.
I know we're not the only country like this but there are plenty of places you can just buy them at the chemist.

I can only relate to myself I've needed 3 times In My life 2 times I've bought and this last time had to waste days waiting for a pointless appointment at a doctors feeling worse and worse till the day arrived and then the 3 days before they finally began to start to work so instead of 3 days feeling terrible I had to feel bad 9 days Instead,wonderful system I don't think.

I can only relate to myself

We are talking about the end of humanity and you're still blithering on about yourself?

Well, if you got the prescription you wanted, the appointment wasn't 'pointless', was it?

But You she had to spend 9 days feeling bad. Don't you understand how important it is that Carol always feel great, even if it costs us all the antimicrobials in the world?

Could have bought like before if I'd not unfortunately been here this time when got sick so to me yes pointless.

YABVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVU.
Antibiotic resistance is becoming the biggest health threat of our time. Without ABs there would be no routine surgery, no chemotherapy, people would die of infections like cellulitis, kidney infections, uterine infections after giving birth etc. Childbirth would become far more dangerous, and small children would die in far greater numbers. Antibiotics save lives, and should be used far more sparingly. Don't take them unless you really, really need them. Finish the course as instructed BY A DOCTOR, and don't dump them in the bin. Over the counter antibiotics are causing worldwide resistant bacterial infections. Casual and ill-informed use of antbiotics kills people.

I like that it is controlled here as antibiotics are unnecessary in many cases, on the otherhand I did like being able to buy really strong painkillers over the counter when I lived abroad! Brought a load home too and used them for my last c-section.

Your problem isn't not being able to buy antibiotics over the counter. Your problem is that the NHS is ridiculously overstretched and underfunded and people struggle to see a GP.
I don't want my family or I to die from an antibiotic resistant infection. I'm glad they are prescription only.

OP, have you actually read what people have said about over use of antibiotics or are you just ignoring them to be Goady?

Christ what a question! Amazing how poorly informed some people are.

Only if you have a lab to test for which antibiotic is required and can tell if you have a viral or bacterial infection to tell whether they're actually needed in the first place.

Very unlikely so no, I think things should stay as they are.

Which country do you normally live under a bridge in, OP?

Thank goodness for Dr google

Your problem is that the NHS is ridiculously overstretched and underfunded and people struggle to see a GP

In the future, we should be able to have fast turn around to see which antibiotic is best for the infection.

But at the moment, it is what it is and just giving a random antibiotic because it might work has a negative effect on world health.

Sometimes, you've got to think of the bigger picture.

Dont be daft of course YABU.

I give you the likes of my friend - shes goes to the doctors demanding antibiotics every time she sneezes.

Am surprised you would want ABs after only being unwell for just 3 days.

It's a shame antibiotics don't cure stupid.

THIS

If you're happy for people to start dying from illnesses that are currently very treatable then start campaigning for OTC antibiotics..

People are off to the GP to get them prescribed at the first sign of an illness as it is.

OP, so few people are aware of what these medications actually do that storylines even make it onto big-budget programs in which people take antibiotics inappropriately. You might be familiar with The Walking Dead storyline in which the prison population begin to contract what 2 medically trained characters believe is a type of flu...and then request that people go out looking for antibiotics to cure it.

You're probably also not aware of the BNF - a book that health care professionals use to check dosage...which isn't just determined by the drug and patient but also by the reason it's being used. Even doctors don't keep most dosing information in their heads.

Because people are amazingly stupid and think if they get a cold antibiotics will cure them, not understanding that antibiotics can only help bacterial infections, not viral ones. The more people do this, the more resistant certain types of bacteria become to antibiotics, leading to a future where people die from treatable infections because none of the medicines that used to work, work anymore.

Lost ... yeah the BNf book I know of pretty well from been allergic to something in the past it took the doctor a good long time to check to make sure the allergic ingredient wasn't in the item she wanted to prescribe (not an antibiotic by the way before the band wagon starts again)

Well thanks for all replies a very very big consensus that you mainly think it's good to control as it is.

that you mainly think it's good to control as it is

What does that mean?

it took the doctor a good long time to check to make sure the allergic ingredient wasn't in the item she wanted to prescribe

How dare the GP take the time to ensure you don't die from anaphylaxis.

It's not about you. It's a global issue

Antibiotics also mess with your gut flora which can upset your stomach & they think can end up messing with your metabolism. Ideally one wouldn't ever need to take them.