O/T The cons of antibiotics

[Guest guest]

The cons of antibiotics

Silas

Issue date: 12/8/08 Section:

UWEC Spectator - Eau ,WI,USA

http://media.www.spectatornews.com/media/storage/paper218/news/2008/1

2/08/Moneyhealth/The-Cons.Of.Antibiotics-3573441.shtml

As the cold and flu season continues to bloom around campus, I find

it is necessary to talk about antibiotics and our abusive

relationship with them. Americans are notoriously impatient and have

a common desire to solve problems as quick as possible.

However, this type of thinking does not always translate into good

health habits. I'm sure many of us have relatives or roommates who

swear by the waterless antibacterial hand sanitizer or the new and

improved antibacterial window cleaning agent and who are always

looking to prevent the next sickness. Some of us may even know

somebody who owns one of those nifty vacuum cleaners with the

antibacterial ultraviolet light affixed to its underside to sanitize

while in use.

The use and promotion of antibacterial household products is driven

by the fear of getting sick or even just the fear of germs

themselves. We should ask each other if this is rational.

Well, to some extent it is perfectly fine to use antibacterial

sprays when cleaning up after cooking poultry or when you actually

have a serious bacterial infection. But we have to remember that

bacteria are essential for a healthy body. This may sound strange,

but many of our body's systems rely on bacteria to perform their

tasks. If we take antibiotics carelessly we can make ourselves more

susceptible to illness.

Also, we need to know when to take antibiotics as they are not

effective in combating a viral infection or one of the fungal

varieties. If you were to take an antibiotic for these types of

infections, you would not resolve the problem, you would just weaken

your body's defenses against another illness.

We often hear the term, " Kills 99.9% of bacteria. " Well, have you

ever wondered about the other .1%? This special portion of the

previous population is resistant to the antibiotic material used in

the sanitizing substance. These bacteria have been given the

informal name of a " Super Bug. " Super bugs are multi-resistant

bacteria that are resistant to the antibodies that are specifically

designed to exterminate said bacteria. These remaining bugs are free

to roam and multiply.

One type of infection that occurs due to this over exposure or abuse

of antibiotics is the Methicillan-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus,

or MRSA for short. This infectious strain often rears in hospitals

and even schools.

According to Medical News Today, in the past decade the rate of MRSA

infection related deaths has risen by 1,400 percent. In 2005,

approximately 19,000 deaths were linked to MRSA infections and it is

estimated that nearly 90,000 people in the United States may be

infected by the Super Bug. These rates will only be accelerated as

we continue to socially mistreat and over treat our fears of getting

sick.

So, this being said, I would like to take this chance to offer some

suggestions for maintaining a healthy, bacteria-friendly immune

system. The first thing you can do is reduce the amount of

antibacterial soap and aerosols you use but continue to use soap for

basic hygiene purposes.

Secondly, make sure we have properly diagnosed our symptoms so as to

not mistreat our infections causing further illnesses.

And finally, we need to refrain from the use of antibiotics unless

absolutely necessary. In this situation, take the full course of

antibiotics in order to kill the malicious bacteria more entirely to

prevent the reoccurrence of the infection later on.

By following these very broad guidelines, we can maintain healthy,

properly functioning and ultimately strengthen, our immune systems.

is a sophomore environmental public health major and

columnist for The Spectator. This column appears biweekly.