Antibiotic overuse threatens modern medicine

Overuse of antibiotics in Europe is building widespread resistance and threatening to halt vital medical treatments such as hip replacements, intensive care for premature babies and cancer therapies, health experts say.  This overuse is causing a rise in superbugs such as MRSA and Clostridium, the two biggest profile superbugs. 

According to, Dominique Monnet of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control's (ECDC) scientific advice unit said the "whole span of modern medicine" is under threat because bugs are become resistant to antibiotics, rendering the drugs useless.  The six most common multi-drug-resistant bacteria -- often referred to as superbugs -- cause around 400,000 infections a year in Europe, killing around 25,000 people and using 2.5 million hospital days a year.

The ECDC is planning an "antibiotic awareness" campaign on November 18 to urge doctors to stop overprescribing antibiotics.

Patients demanding antibiotics for viral infections often are not aware that they will not work, it said, but doctors are and should stop giving in to pressure.  However, patient demands cause doctors to give in rather than explaining to them the medicine will not work. 

When it comes to an infection understand that if you have a virus, no antibiotic will kill it.  Things like colds, flus, ear infections, sinus infections, bronchitis are common in over prescribing antibiotics.  For example, most sinus infections start out as viral infections, against which antibiotics are useless. But after seven to 10 days, about 60 percent become bacterial infections. Even then, most will heal on their own. But antibiotics may speed healing and may not.  It is often why so many sufferers will go back to get something stronger.  A few questions to ask your doctor before you ask for an antibiotics:

Is this a virus or is this a bacterial infection?

If this is viral, about how long will I expect this to last?

Are there any red flags that I should know about if my condition worsens?  (often a fever of over 101 for over three days is a sign to call the doctor)

Is there anything I can do at home to find relief?  (a humidifier for bronchitis and sinus infections, rinsing with saline solutions are safe ways to find relief)

Don't forget about asking for your doctor to test your vitamin D3 levels as people with chronic infections is often an indication of a weakened immunity.  Research is showing adding probiotics is excellent when fighting colds and infections.  And don't forget the old fashioned remedies.  Sometimes it is just best to stay home, rest, stay hydrated and enjoy some homemade chicken soup.

Read the full story from Reuter's

For more info:

Keeping your family healthy during cold and flu season part 1-Are hand sanitizers really safe?

Keeping your family healthy during cold and flu season part 2-Supplements to boost your immunity