DeSoto Magazine – Southern Girl Afield - Ann Yungmeyer

mean the antibiotic has become weaker.
It means the bacteria has evolved and
become stronger. Regularly reported
examples of this problem are “super
bugs.” These bacteria, frequently found
in hospitals, have evolved resistance to
many common antibiotics. An increasing
worry of the medical profession is the
evolution of bacteria for which there is
no effective antibiotic. These are serious
problems for us all and huge challenges
for doctors and scientists. What can the
average person do?
Here are six guidelines everyone can
follow to stay healthier and help address
this problem.
• Never take antibiotics unless they are
prescribed by your GP.
• Take them when and exactly as directed.
Some are intended to be taken with food,
some on an empty stomach.
• Always finish the entire course of
treatment unless your doctor advises
otherwise. Because they feel well, some
people stop taking their antibiotic
medication before the course is
completed. This can cause bacteria that
remain in the body to develop a
resistance and become stronger.
• Destroy any medication left over when
the course has been completed.
• Don’t pressurise your GP into
prescribing antibiotics if he or she advises
against them.
• Wash your hands thoroughly, especially
after using the toilet, and before eating or
preparing food.
• Don’t be like the little boy who cried
“wolf,” when there was no wolf. The
people who rushed to his aid got
annoyed. When the real wolf came, they
thought he was still playacting. Don’t
take antibiotics if you don’t have a
bacterial infection. When the time comes
and you really do need them, the
antibiotics just might not work.
DeSoto 13