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Antibiotics are losing battles to bacterial infections
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Doctor Writing
Dr. Brad Spellberg, a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America's Antimicrobial Availability Task Force, spoke during a teleconference from the IDSA annual meeting in Philadelphia. "Antibiotic development is dying and we are running out of drugs. We have organisms that are already resistant to every antibiotic we can throw at them".
Clinicians are now using a drug that hasn't been used much in 20 years, Polymyxin. Dr. Jason Kessler, lead author of a study detailing the findings, stated that resistance to this drug has increased by 50 percent over a two-year period.
Experts at the teleconference expressed hope that attention being focused on H1N1 (Swine) flu could act as a "wedge" issue to further spotlight the antibiotic problem. Many people who contract the H1N1 virus also end up with bacterial infections.
Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections such as colds, flu, bronchitis, and sore throats not caused by Strep. Never insist on an antibiotic prescription from the doctor if one is not needed. Over-use of antibiotics has played a big role in the increasing resistance seen today.
What can people do to feel better when an antibiotic is not needed? For babies under six months, only give acetaminophen after consulting a doctor. For babies six months and older, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the package. Children should not be given aspirin due to Reye's Syndrome. Cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under the age of four.
Use natural treatments to ease discomforts of congestion and sore throats. A few drops of Oregano essential oil mixed with a half-cup of sunflower oil can be rubbed on the chest at bedtime. For those old enough, holding a towel over the head while breathing the steam from brewed Oregano, Thyme, or Yellow Root, will break up congested sinuses and lungs. Essential oils can be purchased at health food stores or through catalogs that offer vitamins and natural health care treatments.
Peppermint and honey is an excellent treatment for sore throats. Melt a peppermint candy in a tablespoon of honey. Give children under twelve a teaspoon of medicine every two hours as needed. Drinking plenty of fluids is necessary to prevent dehydration. Juices, like 100 percent grape juice, help heal the body naturally with flavonoids, and yes, chicken soup actually does have properties that ease the discomforts of colds and flu.
Sources: Austin American-Statesman, Get Smart
For More: How to Use Yellow Root, How to Heal Illnes With Thyme
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