Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the leading cause of antibiotic overuse in humans. They normally start as viral infections but may develop into bacterial superinfections like otitis media in children or the feared pneumonia in the elderly. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to a global crisis of microbial resistance.
Solutions are urgently needed. One such solution might be Echinacea as it acts as a natural antiviral and supports the immune system.
During the Antibiotic Awareness Week, we want to scrutinize the potential of Echinacea in finally reducing the need for antibiotics.
Agenda
Chair: Prof. Sebastian Johnston, Faculty of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London (UK)
Echinacea: A Strategy to Avoid Antibiotics and Prevent Resistance - Prof. Werner Albrich, Division of Infectious Diseases, Cantonal Hospital, St.Gallen (CH)
Protecting the Vulnerable: Prevention of RTIs in Children - Dr. med. Mercedes Ogal, Pediatrician, Brunnen (CH)