Unnecessary Prescriptions for Antibiotics

The overuse of antibiotics today is a serious problem – it facilitates antibiotic drug resistance, allowing, for example, the emergence of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) that can prove fatal.

A major factor contributing to overuse of antibiotics is the mistaken belief that they are effective in curing a cold, flu, sore throat, bronchitis, and sinusitis. In fact, as pointed out in a CDC (Centers for Disease Control) press release, most upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses, which are unaffected by antibiotics. Patients or parents often urge their doctor to prescribe an antibiotic for such infections, and all too often the doctor complies, however unwillingly. It would be better if she or he would spend some time educating the patient that antibiotics can often be the wrong treatment, and may bring with them unpleasant or even serious side effects.

Further contributions to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria include stopping a course of antibiotics too soon, self-medication with left-over drugs, and sharing left-over antibiotics with a family member or friend. You are urged to do your share in cutting down antibiotic resistance by following the directives of your family physician.