Antibiotic Resistance – What Does it Mean to You and Your Family?
Posted April 4, 2008 at 07:00 PM by Kathleen Blanchard
Section: Her Health, Her Nutrition, Healthy Eating, Her News
Antibiotic resistance has become a major health care concern in recent years. Bacteria that have been around for years, highly treatable in the past, are finding ways to resist eradication as they mutate. Challenges to find new cures for diseases such as MRSA, childhood ear infections, malaria, gonorrhea and tuberculosis are taking precedence. The concern is huge, making the dilemma a priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the problem worsens, the only solution has been to provide experimental and potentially toxic drugs for treatment. To make matters worse, antibiotics given to animals are making it more difficult to treat human infections.
It is a common misconception that people become “immune” to antibiotics. The tricky bacteria, or microbes, mutate and cause the problem. Since the advent of penicillin, we have been able to treat many diseases, but over time, the widespread use of antibiotics has created new problems. Every type of bacteria that is known has now become more resistant to treatment. When one DNA particle in bacteria “transfers,” it survives or resists treatment, spreads and becomes more powerful. The result is a threat to everyone.
It is important to understand what happens when we march off to the doctor in search of a cure for any ailment. It is also vital that everyone (including health care providers), do his or her part toward preventing the spread of infection. Bacteria that are resistant to antibiotic treatment can quickly spread to others, reaching epidemic proportions.
The CDC offers several suggestions that can help with this major concern. The time is long past since taking a pill would “make it all better”. To emphasize the seriousness of the issue, consider the fact that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is currently backing a $100 impetus for researchers from all disciplines to come up with a solution to this global health problem.
Here is what you can do to keep yourself, your family and those around you healthy:
Speak with your doctor about the use of antibiotics. Discuss whether your cough or other symptoms will actually respond to antibiotics before you get that prescription filled. Take antibiotics only when it is appropriate.
If you have the flu or a cold, do not take any antibiotics. Drink plenty of fluids and use medications to treat the symptoms. Remember, that antibiotics do nothing to eradicate viruses.
Never insist on antibiotics from your health care provider unless there is a diagnosis of a bacterial infection. Simple blood work will tell your doctor if your body is fighting an infection or a virus. Certainly, take antibiotics when indicated.
Never take another person’s antibiotics or store your own for future use. When you really need antibiotic medications, take all of them – if you stop when you feel better, the infection can actually recur with worsening symptoms.
Do your best to remain healthy. Slow down a bit and take time for yourself. Exercise, eat well and do all those things your mother told you to do – we really are returning to health basics after much trial and error, a trend that is quite noticeable.
Support intelligent agriculture by consuming meat that is not treated with antibiotics and other hormones. A shift in consumer habits could have a profound effect in the long run. This is a lofty ideal, but certainly attainable. Check the packaging in the supermarket. You will find meat labels that clearly tell you if the animal was raised without the use of steroids or antibiotics.
Prevent the spread of infection through frequent hand washing. Stay home from work and avoid public places when you are ill.
Public awareness and education are vital to the future of our health. It has become commonplace to believe that antibiotics cure everything, given our past successes, but again, it is important to look at the big picture. Remember that we are all in this together. Take time to visit the FDA website for information and more facts. You may be surprised, but definitely enlightened. Educate yourself and others whenever you have the opportunity – the results can only be positive.
Kathleen Blanchard is a Registered Nurse - you can read more health articles by visiting her blog.
Tags: antibiotic resistance, bacteria, bacterial resistance to antibiotics, cdc, help prevent infection, infectious diseases resistant to antibiotics, public awareness of antibiotic resistance, virus
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On November 21, 2008
Water Damage said:
This…