Yesterday, I realized that we have less than two weeks left in the semester. While Springfest, class registration and the increase in the warm weather should have tipped me off to the fast approach of finals I remained happily in the dark until I woke up with a sore throat and a headache to match. Nothing indicates something hard and physically tasking is in my future like my body completely giving up on me.
I'm sure many college students feel this way -- getting sick is a way of life. Colds, strep, allergies -- who among us hasn't suffered from these plights? And while the easy answer may be to run to Student Health to load up on some pills, there is something you should first consider about antibiotics.
Overuse of antibiotics has become a major problem is the U.S. Modern medicine, one of the greatest achievements of our time, has saved many lives. But, with modern medicine comes the idea that the tiniest symptom of sickness requires some form of medication. This dependency on antibiotics is leading to something very scary: bacterial resistance.
One of the main problems is people don't realize that there are two different kinds of infections -- viral and bacterial. While bacterial infections can be successfully treated, viral infections will not respond to antibiotics. Most of the time, the best method for treating viral infection is plenty of rest and relaxation. However, when many people feel the onset of sickness, they run for the medicine cabinet or the doctor's office.
The problem lies in the fact that, over time, bacteria undergo an evolution of types. If they are attacked by an antibiotic they will all die, except for those who have a resistance to the medication. Then, those bacteria will grow. If you try to use the same antibiotic to treat those bacteria again, it won't be effective.
One example of this is with strep. Doctors are now dealing with the fact that this bacteria has become resistant to many common antibiotics. To combat the infection, physicians are forced to prescribe stronger medication for the same illness that previously was treatable with a weaker antibiotic.
Prescribing increasingly strong pills would work, except for the fact that researchers are not really developing new antibiotics at the same rate at which bacteria are becoming resistant
So what's the solution? While bacterial resistance will continue to be a problem, there are several things people need to be aware of to lesson its effects. First off, when you are prescribed a dosage of antibiotics, make sure you take the entire amount. Leaving a few pills untaken may not kill off all the bacteria, leaving them free to build up a resistance and grow back at their own leisure.
Also, when visiting the doctor because of an infection, don't demand an antibiotic. According the Centers for Disease Control, many physicians are under pressure from patients who demand antibiotics despite not having a bacterial infection. Finally, if your doctor does prescribe you antibiotics, make sure that they are providing you with the best option.
Liz Bird is a Cavalier Daily Health & Sexuality Columnist. She can be reached at bird@cavalierdaily.com.
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