PSA: antibiotic resistance is real

[anotheranon]

Yes, the gubmint lies about some things, but not this. Discussion about the importance of public education about antibiotic resistance, some stats on overuse of antibiotics in clinical and agricultural contexts, and links to other antibiotic resistance sites. I'm hoping my friend L., who recently got her masters' in public health, will weigh in on this subject as I know she knows more than me :)

So - wash your hands, y'all. And if your doc tries to give you an antibiotic when you've got a viral infection, ask why!

Comments

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

Much agreed. I've only taken antibiotics once in my life; I was six and the infection WAS bacterial). Not only does frequent use help the evolution of resistant bacteria, but they're probably the reason for the massive rise in irritable bowel and other digestive-system ailments ... antibiotics, like pesticides, can't differentiate between good bugs and harmful bugs, so all the essential bacteria that are SUPPOSED to be in your digestive system, helping you break down your food, are killed off as well (there are many other chronic ailments that can be traced to excessive antibiotic use as well ... just that I've known a lot of people with chronic digestive problems and they've ALL had a history of heavy antibiotic use).

What I want to know is WHY are doctors so poorly educated that they WOULD prescribe antibiotics for a viral infection? Time for a thorough investigation and evaluation of medical schools, methinks. The cure of this problem has to begin at the source.

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

What I want to know is WHY are doctors so poorly educated that they WOULD prescribe antibiotics for a viral infection?

Well, I wonder if it's ignorance or bowing to customer pressure? I had a co worker who told me he'd go in and demand antibiotics for colds, how many doctors just cave in if the patient complains loud enough?

I admit, even my own doc surprised me with this once - she told me that if I get another UTI (I had two this year) that I might want to consider prophylactic antibiotic use (i.e. take before I engage in any activity likely to start an infection). I refused - I figure if I take an antibiotic I don't need when I actually don't and I'm lining myself up to get a worse/longer infection when I do get sick :(

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

Patient whining is not grounds for prescribing inappropriate medications. Ever.

Good for you on nixing the doc's suggestion :-) ... if you give your body's native, useful bacteria a chance to rebuild their populations, you're giving your body a better long-term ability to naturally fight off infections and illness.