Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with
the NHS website.
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Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything
from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit.
You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website,
or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.
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Antibiotic Antimicrobial ResistanceAntibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat infections. This is because: - many infections are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are not effective
- antibiotics are often unlikely to speed up the healing process and can cause side effects
- the more antibiotics are used to treat trivial conditions, the more likely they are to become ineffective for treating more serious conditions
Both the NHS and health organisations across the world are trying to reduce the use of antibiotics, especially for health problems that are not serious. For example, antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat: Antibiotic resistance and 'superbugs'The overuse of antibiotics in recent years means they're becoming less effective and has led to the emergence of "superbugs". These are strains of bacteria that have developed resistance to many different types of antibiotics, including: These types of infections can be serious and challenging to treat, and are becoming an increasing cause of disability and death across the world. The biggest worry is that new strains of bacteria may emerge that cannot be treated by any existing antibiotics. |
OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic. | |
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Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.
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