Antibiotic Resistance in Ireland — A Patient's Guide
Why antibiotic stewardship matters, what you can do, and why your doctor sometimes says no.
The problem
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the great public-health challenges of the 21st century. Ireland follows the WHO and HSE stewardship guidance: antibiotics work — and we want them to keep working — so they are used only when the benefit outweighs the cost.
When antibiotics help
- Confirmed bacterial infections (UTI, strep throat, otitis media in young children with criteria, bacterial pneumonia)
- Severe systemic infections regardless of source
When they don’t help
- Most coughs, colds, sore throats, and sinusitis (viral)
- Most children’s ear infections (resolve without)
- Bronchitis in healthy adults (almost always viral)
Why your doctor may say no
Inappropriate antibiotic use breeds resistance, disrupts your microbiome, and exposes you to side effects without benefit. If we say no, it is because the evidence does not support antibiotic use for your situation. We will explain symptom relief and red flags.
What you can do
- Get the flu and pneumococcal vaccines (where eligible)
- Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
- Complete antibiotic courses when prescribed
- Don’t share antibiotics or use leftover doses
FAQs
Why won't the doctor give me antibiotics for my cold?
Colds are viral; antibiotics don’t shorten them and can cause harm.
My sore throat is awful — surely it needs antibiotics?
Most don’t. Strep is one specific bacterial cause; we score and decide.
Why does the doctor sometimes give shorter courses?
Modern evidence supports shorter courses for many infections; less is often more.
What if I get worse?
Always come back. We arrange in-person review or escalation when needed.
Cost?
€34.99.
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