Europe – Special Eurobarometer: Use of antibiotics declining in the European Union but much work still needed

Eurosurveillance

According to the Special Eurobarometer 407, ‘Antimicrobial resistance’ published in November 2013, most Europeans (84%) are aware that the overuse of antibiotics makes them ineffective [1].  However, the general knowledge of Europeans about antibiotics remains quite low and results in the misuse of these drugs. When asked questions about antibiotics and how they work, 49% of respondents replied that antibiotics kill viruses whereas 40% correctly replied that antibiotics do not kill viruses. More than one in ten (11%) could not answer the question. Only slightly more than half of those polled (52%) could reply correctly that antibiotics are not* effective against colds and influenza. Most respondents (66%) are aware that the use of antibiotics can cause side-effects but nearly one fifth (19%) cannot answer the question. The above responses illustrate the challenge of those who try to make Europeans have a more prudent attitude towards antibiotic use.