Published Friday, 18 November 2011
The agency teamed up with the Health and Social Care Board (HS CB) on Friday, European Antibiotics Awareness Day, to reinforce the message that antibiotics do not work against viruses such as colds and flu.
They say antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections - and not viral infections.
The PHA and HSCB say the risk of antibiotic resistance is a growing problem and the decision regarding their use and dosage should only be made by a medical doctor.
Resistance can occur in the body naturally, but excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics accelerates the resistance, reducing the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections in the future.
When bacteria develop the ability to resist antibiotics, it is more difficult to kill them or stop their growth.
Dr Lourda Geoghegan, PHA Consultant in Health Protection, said: "Antibiotic overuse is a serious problem and a threat to everyone's health. As we are now approaching this year's cold and flu season, I would like to remind everyone that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
"All too often people think antibiotics cure common colds and flu, but that's not correct. Instead, rest, fluids, paracetamol and if necessary a decongestant and/or cough bottle, will relieve the symptoms."
Dr Brenda Bradley, Pharmaceutical Public Health and Governance Lead, HSCB, said: "It is important that patients are provided with information about the best way to deal with common infections, both those that will get better by themselves and those that are likely to need antibiotics.
"With this in mind, the HSCB has developed an information pack for GPs about antibiotics. The pack also contains posters and leaflets for patients about minor ailments, and the role of antibiotics in treating infections.
"We hope that these will be useful, especially as we approach winter when people are much more likely to suffer from colds and flu. We would like to remind patients that they should be guided by their GP as to whether or not they need an antibiotic, as many minor illnesses will get better without one."