The WHO now recognise that the use of antibiotics is causing a health volcano that is now about to erupt.

If you have a cold or the flu, refuse antibiotics. Tell your doctor you will use traditional methods such as rest, water and healthy foods, vitamins and echinacea (to help generate mucus that expels the virus).

Antibiotics do not work against viral infections! They are a nuclear option against bacteria, most of which are actually beneficial to us. Fungal based, these drugs will wipe out many of your digestive bacteria and thus result in long term problems as you are less able to absorb nutrients.

They should be preserved only for life-threatening infections. Adding antibiotics to animal feeds is evolving stronger and stronger germs that could cause epidemics we have no way to control.

The Fat Drug – Antibiotics overused extensively in farming is not only breeding super bugs that are immune to most current antibiotic treatments but killing off our intestinal flora (good bacteria) from an early age, resulting in poor digestion and ultimately obesity.

It is now scientifically and medically recognised that antibiotic use must be extremely limited if they are to remain effective in life threatening situations.

David Willetts, the science minister, will propose far-reaching measures that would clamp down on the overuse of antibiotics by GPs and hospital doctors. He will also try to restrict usage on farms and fisheries, where the drugs are blended with feed to boost yields. – Guardian

As a survivor of near fatal infection following surgery the value of antibiotics is beyond question. But for real health it is imperative to avoid antibiotics unless the killing of bacteria is critically indicated. Recovery with traditional medicine (which is really helpful in relaxing the mind while avoiding antibiotics) is necessary for minor ailments. If widespread use of antibiotics is not stomped out we are in danger of evolving bacteria we can not fight eventually evolving an extinction event. It is very intelligent of the UK Government to take this to the G8, the G20 and the UN.