Bacteria that causes infections are remarkably resilient and can develop ways to survive drugs meant to kill or weaken them. Drug-Resistant Bacteria results largely from the increasing use of antibiotics and are a skyrocketing public health problem. Nearly all significant bacterial infections in the world are becoming resistant to the most commonly prescribed antibiotic treatments resulting in a global health crisis.

Some research has shown that antibiotics are given to patients more often than guidelines set by federal and other healthcare organizations recommend. Also, patients who are prescribed antibiotics but don't take the full dosing regimen can contribute to drug-resistance.

Unless drug-resistant bacteria problems are detected as they emerge, and actions are taken to contain them, the global community will face the crisis of previously treatable diseases becoming untreatable, as in the days before antibiotics were developed.

1. Slang: Superbug
2. Most problematic: MRSA
3. Most vulnerable: Children are of particular concern as they have the highest rates of antibiotic use
4. Children have the highest rate of infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria
5. Many pediatricians succumb to parent pressure to prescribe antibiotics
6. Misuse of antibiotics jeopardizes the usefulness

1. Wash your hands frequently
2. Use antibiotics ONLY when they are likely to be beneficial—not for cold or flu
3. Don’t demand antibiotics from your physician when they are not needed

Wisdom:

• Anti-bacterial products are no more effective than plain soap and water and can actually increase the problem
• Yellow or green mucus does NOT automatically mean you need an antibiotic

Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have a Drug-Resistant Bacteria illness, please consult your doctor.

• HealthBoards: MRSA Discussion

• TheRubins.com: Drug Resistant Bacteria (April 3, 2008)

• Kandylini’s: The End of Antibiotics (March 30, 2008)

• Laser Eye Surgery: Drug-Resistant Bacteria Poses Growing Threat to LASIK Patients (March 28, 2008)

• About Antibiotics: Reducing Antibiotic Use Lowers Rates of Drug-Resistant Bacteria (March 17, 2008)

• Chronicle Podcasts (SFC): Growing Problem of Drug-Resistant Diseases and What.. (January 14, 2008)

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