YIKES! Do you remember the warnings in recent years about not taking too many antibiotics (especially for conditions they cannot cure)? The predicted consequences are here – and London is coming off worst.

Antibiotics were a miracle drug. They killed bacteria and cured the infections the bacteria were causing. But soon everyone wanted the miracle drug. Even animals were given antibiotics – not only to cure infections but to prevent them from occurring. Bacteria began to mutate, finding ways to survive the antibiotic attacks.

People who are prescribed antibiotics are alwas told to finish the course, but many people ignore the advice and just stop taking the drugs when they feel better. That stupid strategy was even more helpful to bacteria: it allowed bacteria to survive a short antibody-attack, teaching the bacteria even more resistance tactics.

For a while now we have seen, as predicted, infections that antibiotics can’t cure: the “antibiotic resistant infection” (ARI). The incidence of these infections is monitored by the UK Health Security Agency. THeir latest report shows that London’s rate of ARI was 39.2 per 100,000 population in 2022 to 41.5 in 2023 – and that is the highest rate of all the UK regions.

The report reveals that 65% of ARIs over the last five years were caused by E. Coli, well known for causing diarrhoea and vomiting and often found in food which has not been properly stored. These infections are not just a bit of “tummy trouble”: they can be very serious. E. Coli and other ARIs may lead to serious complications, including sepsis, which requires hospital treatment and can lead to amputations as limbs begin to die from infections that cannot be stopped.

One patient, Caroline Sampson, explained how an ARI has affected her life. “For 8 and a half years, I have had a chronic urinary tract infection (UTI). No form of antibiotics has successfully treated it. It has derailed my life in every possible way,” she said, “I can no longer enjoy simple pleasures like eating out, going to the theatre or inviting friends over. The daily symptoms are debilitating and painful. Trying to accomplish the smallest task takes a huge amount of effort. The impact on my mental health has been enormous and I live with daily anxiety that the infection could develop into urosepsis. I just want my life back. The threat of antibiotic resistant infections to us all cannot be underestimated.”

Scientists are looking for new drugs that can cure ARIs, but for the moment you can help by only taking antibiotics if a healthcare worker prescribes them. Follow their instructions – including the one about finishing the course: you want to kill your bacteria, not just wound them. And have all your vaccinations. The flu vaccince is available for many vulnerable members of the community: as well as warding off flu, it will help against the common cold. We are in the middle of the autum round of flu and Covid vaccinations: ask about them at your GP or pharmacy. And make sure your children’s vaccinations are up to date. Some families are not bothering to ensure their children have all their vaccines and some diseases are making a comeback – especially measles, which can kill children or leave them with permanent life-changing conditions.

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