Millions wrongly told they are allergic to penicillin

Being labelled allergic to penicillin is associated with a higher mortality rate of an extra 6 deaths per 1000 patients in the year following treatment for infection (Picture: Chris Ison/PA Wire)

Millions of people mistakenly believe they are allergic to penicillin, stopping them from taking the best antibiotic medicine available.

This means their health could be compromised by receiving different antibiotics that may be less effective, prolong recovery periods and could cause admission to hospital.