Paris (France) (AFP) – “Antibiotics really aren't automatic”: to fight against the excessive use of antibiotics and warn about antibiotic resistance, Health Insurance is launching on Friday, as the winter season approaches, a new information campaign revisiting its emblematic slogan from 2002.

Published on: 05/11/2026 - 17:48 Modified on: 05/11/2026 - 18:04

Despite the efforts, France remains "one of the most antibiotic-consuming countries in Europe", in second place, recalled the Cnam ahead of its campaign.

“The slogan + Antibiotics are not automatic + has left its mark; updating it means anchoring the message among the youngest while re-mobilizing those who know it,” according to a press release.

Antibiotic prescriptions in primary care started to rise again in 2024, increasing by 4.8% over one year, while the objective was a reduction of at least 25% between 2019 and 2025.

In 2025, however, a decline is emerging, according to Health Insurance: the share of French people having received at least one prescription for antibiotics increased from 41% to 38% in one year.

But multiple misconceptions persist, confirms an Ipsos/BVA survey for Cnam, conducted from September 3 to 14 among 1,000 adults.

Nearly one in two respondents believe that antibiotics treat the flu and four in ten treat the common cold, although they are ineffective against viruses and can cause unwanted effects.

And 18% of French people surveyed take antibiotics in their possession without consulting a doctor, 11% share them with a loved one, etc.

Health Insurance reminds of good practices: take antibiotics only on medical prescription, respect prescribed doses and duration, never use remaining treatment, do not share them, etc.

Because inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance, a “silent pandemic” that the WHO places among the major threats.

“When you take an antibiotic, it kills all sensitive bacteria”, leaving “only the resistant ones, which develop”, disrupts the microbiota, explained to the press Dr Marie-Anne Bouldouyre, on behalf of the regional antibiotic therapy centers.

And “everyone can harbor a resistant bacteria, whatever their age or state of health, and transmit it to their loved ones,” warned Dr. Catherine Grenier, medical advisor to the Cnam. The consequences of an infection are more serious for the most vulnerable.

“Antibiotic resistance impacts all modern medicine because if we can no longer treat the slightest infection, we can no longer do major surgery, chemotherapy, transplantation…”, underlined Dr Bouldouyre.

Between 5,500 and 12,500 people die each year in France due to resistant bacteria.

© 2026 AFP

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