Australians think antibiotics cure colds

While fewer people may be asking for antibiotics when visiting their doctor, many still incorrectly believe that antibiotics can cure a cold.

According to the latest research by NPS MedicineWise - conducted as part of Antibiotics Awareness Week starting Monday - more than a quarter (28 per cent) of Australians think antibiotics are an effective cold and flu treatment.

NPS MedicineWise CEO Dr Lynn Weekes says that belief is dangerous, as taking antibiotics too often can trigger resistance to the drug.

"It has become entrenched in our society's thinking that antibiotics are an infinite resource, but unless we dramatically reduce antibiotic prescribing when they're not needed, we are looking to a future where they may no longer work when they are really needed," Dr Weekes said.

In Australia, some strains of golden staph and gonorrhoea are already resistant to several antibiotics.

However, the study - which surveyed more than 2500 people aged 16 and older - also found a four per cent reduction in the number of people asking for antibiotics when going to the doctor.

Antibiotic Awareness Week runs from November 16 until November 22.