The Post-Anti-Biotic Future is "a very real possibility"

[Barrister]

Yikes, I can't imagine what it would be like to suffer through cold without taking anti-biotics during the worst couple of days.  I hate it when stupid people ruin it for everyone.

Just checking, you are being sarcastic right? Because Antibiotics Can't Treat the Common Cold: Antibiotics fight bacteria-related illnesses. Colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics won't help a cold.

I think you and Viking missed the joke.

Only Viking missed the joke.

[Razgovory]

The last time I had anti-biotics was when the cat bit me.

[The Brain]

But there's a twist: when you are prescribed antibiotics, you should take all of them — every last pill. While it might seem sensible to stop taking the pills when you feel better, it increases the chances that bacteria are still alive in your body and will survive and multiply, spreading their resistance to future generations.

Oh hell that is probably not going to happen.  Let's hope doctors really push for it because I don't think anybody does that.

[The Brain]

DG never jokes about health issues.

[derspiess]

The last time I had anti-biotics was when the cat bit me.

I'm on penicillin right now for the bout of strep throat that kicked my ass for a couple days last week.  Three more days to go.

[crazy canuck]

I am not sure which one I am worried about more, the acidification of the oceans or this.  Thanks for brightening my day Jacob.

[Monoriu]

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/1/5669526/get-ready-for-a-future-where-antibiotics-no-longer-work

Gonorrhea, Tuberculosis, and Pneumonia are all seeing drug resistant strains on the rise.

Mono, you should read the last bit of the article:

The WHO doesn't say that a full "post-antibiotic era" is inevitable, but that it's "a very real possibility." So here's what people can do to prevent it.

Because antibiotic overuse is the main problem here, you should only take antibiotics that have been prescribed to you by a doctor.

But there's a twist: when you are prescribed antibiotics, you should take all of them — every last pill. While it might seem sensible to stop taking the pills when you feel better, it increases the chances that bacteria are still alive in your body and will survive and multiply, spreading their resistance to future generations.

I do take every last antibiotic pill.  But I won't go to a doctor every time if I need antibiotics.  Because I am the better judge of whether I need them or not.  The only place on earth where there is a semi-reliable medical history of myself is my head.  Most doctors don't have access to *any* of my medical records.  They work with a blank state most of the time.  I know which antibiotic I am allergic to; they don't.  If I need them, I am going to walk in a drug store and buy them.  That takes a lunch break.  I am not going to take half a day off and go through all the trouble of seeing someone who doesn't know me at all just to get the exact same thing.

[Jacob]

I am not sure which one I am worried about more, the acidification of the oceans or this.  Thanks for brightening my day Jacob.

[garbon]

http://www.vox.com/2014/5/1/5669526/get-ready-for-a-future-where-antibiotics-no-longer-work

Gonorrhea, Tuberculosis, and Pneumonia are all seeing drug resistant strains on the rise.

Mono, you should read the last bit of the article:

The WHO doesn't say that a full "post-antibiotic era" is inevitable, but that it's "a very real possibility." So here's what people can do to prevent it.

Because antibiotic overuse is the main problem here, you should only take antibiotics that have been prescribed to you by a doctor.

But there's a twist: when you are prescribed antibiotics, you should take all of them — every last pill. While it might seem sensible to stop taking the pills when you feel better, it increases the chances that bacteria are still alive in your body and will survive and multiply, spreading their resistance to future generations.

I do take every last antibiotic pill.  But I won't go to a doctor every time if I need antibiotics.  Because I am the better judge of whether I need them or not.  The only place on earth where there is a semi-reliable medical history of myself is my head.  Most doctors don't have access to *any* of my medical records.  They work with a blank state most of the time.  I know which antibiotic I am allergic to; they don't.  If I need them, I am going to walk in a drug store and buy them.  That takes a lunch break.  I am not going to take half a day off and go through all the trouble of seeing someone who doesn't know me at all just to get the exact same thing.

I know it's a meme, but how often do you purchase antibiotics? I made fun of Viking for it but I agree with him and Sheilbh that for an average person with a functioning immune system, they aren't needed very often.

[Monoriu]

I know it's a meme, but how often do you purchase antibiotics? I made fun of Viking for it but I agree with him and Sheilbh that for an average person with a functioning immune system, they aren't needed very often.

I think I've only bought antibiotics 2 or 3 times in my life    I do buy prescription only ulcer drugs every month or so because I need them daily.

[garbon]

I know it's a meme, but how often do you purchase antibiotics? I made fun of Viking for it but I agree with him and Sheilbh that for an average person with a functioning immune system, they aren't needed very often.

I think I've only bought antibiotics 2 or 3 times in my life    I do buy prescription only ulcer drugs every month or so because I need them daily.