Antibiotic resistance is now as big a threat as cancer - Great Manchester health experts warn
New stats show more than 700,000 lives are being lost every year to so-called superbugs.
Health experts in Greater Manchester are urging people to stop demanding antibiotics from their doctors.
There are calls for every GP surgery in the UK to put up posters to warn people about antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
It comes after a new report revealing antibiotic resistant bacteria already contributes to more than 700,000 deaths each year.
Experts estimate 10 million lives a year could be put at risk because of drug-resistant infections by 2050.
The report calls for AMR to be taken more seriously, yet over 99% of the population are not fully aware of its impact.
Antibiotic Research UK based in South Manchester is launching a campaign to tackle the issue.
Peter Gibson, from the charity, said: "Unfortunately, people believe they (anti-biotics) are a silver bullet and they can cure absolutely everything.
"They can't and it's as simple as that.
"When you take them for the wrong reasons, the bacteria in your body can become resistant to the antibiotics and when you need them the most, then you really will be in trouble."
But only 11% of people see it as a serious threat to society, ranking it below climate change (50%), religious conflicts (27%), and unemployment (23%), according to new research from Pfizer UK.
Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, however misuse of antibiotics in humans and animals is speeding up the process.
Our misuse includes using these drugs for things like coughs and colds and common viral infections in which they have no effect.
Experts say it's not an easy issue to resolve and we need a cultural shift as to how we view and use antibiotics.
World Antibiotics Week, launching this week, aims to increase awareness of global antibiotic resistance and encourage best practices among the general public.
These include:
· Keeping yourself clean and healthy
· Always follow the instructions you are given by your doctor when taking antibiotics.
· Keep vaccinations up to date for you and your family
· Spread the word - To win the fight we need everyone to take action