Antibiotic Resistance: Worldwide Problem

Spurred by over-prescription, antibiotic resistance is already a widespread problem and has raised concerns worldwide. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) called antibiotic resistance one of the world's "most pressing public health problems."

Resistant bacteria require higher doses of medicine or stronger antibiotics to treat. Each time a bacteria becomes resistant to an antibiotic, the pool of effective drugs left to fight the infection becomes smaller. In fact, doctors have even found bacteria that are resistant to some of the most powerful antibiotics available today. If the rate of resistance continues, we may very well face a potential epidermic in the near future.

Antibiotic Resistance: Family Danger

Over the last decade, almost every type of bacteria has become stronger and less responsive to antibiotic treatment. Common infections that were once easily treatable with antibiotics now cause significant danger and potential complications to both children and adults. Being more difficult to treat, these antibiotic-resistant bacteria can quickly spread to family members, school mates, and co-workers.

The inappropriate use of antibiotics is also harmful for children. Children are often prescribed antibiotics by their doctors for minor illnesses, even when the infection is viral. This is in part due to anxious parents who demand antibiotics from the doctor. However, studies have shown that while these children do recover a little quicker at first, they are also more likely to get sick more often, with more persistent infections caused by more resistant organisms.