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melbalalala
Little Lady
Member since 5/07 5015 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
I am totally freaked out by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Dr's giving in to patients and prescribing antibiotics for a virus, people not finishing their course of treatment, passing them to others, etc. The idea of antibiotic-resistant bacteria FREAKS me out. The thought of strep throat one day being a potentially fatal disease scares the bejeezus out of me.
I thought this was all common knowledge but my family seems to pop antibiotics like they're candy and look at me like I have three heads when I explain how this is bad to them or send them articles. Just tonight, my Dad is on a strong antibiotic for a double ear infection and sinus infection (totally legit) and gave my brother his last 7 pills because my brother is feeling under the weather. I tried to explain to them how this was a disservice to them both but they kind of rolled their eyes and ignored me.
I'm kind of coming on here to whine but I also wish there was something I could do. Smart people seem to think antibiotics are something to take lightly and that needs to change. I briefly thought of sending my Dad's primary care Dr. a letter that she need to educate her patients better but realized that would get me sent to the looney bin 
Does anyone else get frustrated by this??
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Posted 6/15/15 9:11 PM  |
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Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
My family is the same way. My husband is an idiot and tells me to give my 3 year old the last of the 5 year Olds antibiotic when he starts to get symptoms. He doesn't get you have to take a full dose for the full time and that you can not share antibiotic. Drives me insane. Or when my brother has a toothache and takes my mom's last 3 antibiotics. It kills me.
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| Posted 6/15/15 9:21 PM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!
Member since 5/11 7635 total posts
Name:
Momma <3
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Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
I've never heard of someone doing this. Granted my mom always claimed everything was a virus so we rarely went to the dr to get antibiotics.
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| Posted 6/15/15 9:31 PM |
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Seawolf
LIF Adult
Member since 3/14 1336 total posts
Name:
Scrumba
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Most ppl either want a "quick fix" or they feel like if they don't get a prescription they're not getting their copays worth. I don't know why some doctors give in so easily. I think they just don't want to argue with pushy patients. (Not that your parents are pushy - I meant ppl in general)
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| Posted 6/15/15 9:35 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
This is why I rarely go to the Dr.
The majority of the times I am sick in the winter it's a virus. A cold, etc. It suckss, but it runs it's course.
I only needed antibiotics once, when I wasn't getting better in 5 days and my throat was awful and my neck was killing me. It was strep and I needed the antibiotics.
But in general I see people i know running to the Dr every time they cough, sneeze or sniffle.
Ever look at a Stat Health parking lot on a Saturday? packed.
Message edited 6/16/2015 3:21:53 PM.
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| Posted 6/15/15 10:08 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by PitterPatter11
I've never heard of someone doing this.
Me neither.
Also, don't certain antibiotics treat different things?
And what about potential allergies?
It's just careless and stupid.
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| Posted 6/15/15 10:10 PM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by ElizaRags35
Posted by PitterPatter11
I've never heard of someone doing this.
Me neither.
Also, don't certain antibiotics treat different things?
And what about potential allergies?
It's just careless and stupid.
Seriously!
It drives me bonkers. DH has had MRSA THREE times... THREE TIMES!!!! It is not bad when you catch it early, and not ignore it... except that he almost did the first two times and we had to - I should say I had to - pack it, reopen it, dress it, drain it, repeat multiple times a day for a few weeks... and that was when he realized he better marry me ;)
That said, it's pretty scary, but, on the whole, we're getting better about it, and in general docs are less likely to prescribe out (except for the lazy ones). Honestly, I'm not crazy scared about it like I used to be,.... this is also an issue with overuse of hand sanitizer and antibacterial hand soap/gel/lotion/etc.
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| Posted 6/15/15 11:25 PM |
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Blubtrflygrl
LIF Adolescent
Member since 5/15 609 total posts
Name:
allison
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
My first thought when I read your post is you can very rarely change adult people and their mind sets.
I agree that you can educate them, but there's definitely a right way and a wrong way to go about things.
Medical providers are often not at fault either.
I work in the medical field and have been blamed for some doozies in patients lives....like problems they have experienced since birth. 
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| Posted 6/16/15 5:12 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
I know a few people who are OBSESSED with taking antibiotics. Not even kidding, they sneeze one too many times and they are running to the doctor to get on them. I've told them a million times that you VERY rarely ever need antibiotics and that they are doing a disservice to themselves by taking them constantly because eventually when they do REALLY need them they aren't going to work. But, it doesn't matter, they still take them all the time.............sometimes with back to back doses. It is crazy.
On the flip side, I've actually been to doctors that will write a script for antibiotics even when they are NOT needed. I've had doctors actually tell me I really don't need them BUT if I "want" they will give me a script for them anyway.
I don't know why some people are SO quick to run to the doctor and subsequently get on antibiotics. *Most* illnesses won't be helped by them and just need to run their course. I hardly ever take them, maybe once every couple of years if that.
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| Posted 6/16/15 8:26 AM |
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by Hofstra26
I know a few people who are OBSESSED with taking antibiotics. Not even kidding, they sneeze one too many times and they are running to the doctor to get on them. I've told them a million times that you VERY rarely ever need antibiotics and that they are doing a disservice to themselves by taking them constantly because eventually when they do REALLY need them they aren't going to work. But, it doesn't matter, they still take them all the time.............sometimes with back to back doses. It is crazy.
On the flip side, I've actually been to doctors that will write a script for antibiotics even when they are NOT needed. I've had doctors actually tell me I really don't need them BUT if I "want" they will give me a script for them anyway.
I don't know why some people are SO quick to run to the doctor and subsequently get on antibiotics. *Most* illnesses won't be helped by them and just need to run their course. I hardly ever take them, maybe once every couple of years if that.
Ditto. I am the same way with me and my kids and dh. No need to run to the dr. constantly. Most things will run it's course. If not, THEN that is the time for it.
It is just like the hand lotion. People don't get they are ruining their immune systems by using too much of it.
THIS is why people are sick all the time and the ones, like us, who don't use it at all, rarely get sick.
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| Posted 6/16/15 8:36 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by Hofstra26
I know a few people who are OBSESSED with taking antibiotics. Not even kidding, they sneeze one too many times and they are running to the doctor to get on them. I've told them a million times that you VERY rarely ever need antibiotics and that they are doing a disservice to themselves by taking them constantly because eventually when they do REALLY need them they aren't going to work. But, it doesn't matter, they still take them all the time.............sometimes with back to back doses. It is crazy.
On the flip side, I've actually been to doctors that will write a script for antibiotics even when they are NOT needed. I've had doctors actually tell me I really don't need them BUT if I "want" they will give me a script for them anyway.
I don't know why some people are SO quick to run to the doctor and subsequently get on antibiotics. *Most* illnesses won't be helped by them and just need to run their course. I hardly ever take them, maybe once every couple of years if that.
Not to mention I ALWAYS end up with a nasty yeast infection when I take them so I try to avoid them like the plague!
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| Posted 6/16/15 8:37 AM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
Name:
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by jessnbrian
Seriously!
It drives me bonkers. DH has had MRSA THREE times... THREE TIMES!!!! It is not bad when you catch it early, and not ignore it... except that he almost did the first two times and we had to - I should say I had to - pack it, reopen it, dress it, drain it, repeat multiple times a day for a few weeks... and that was when he realized he better marry me ;)
That said, it's pretty scary, but, on the whole, we're getting better about it, and in general docs are less likely to prescribe out (except for the lazy ones). Honestly, I'm not crazy scared about it like I used to be,.... this is also an issue with overuse of hand sanitizer and antibacterial hand soap/gel/lotion/etc.
I'm confused by this post. Does your DH not take an antibiotic for MRSA?
Message edited 6/16/2015 8:44:03 AM.
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| Posted 6/16/15 8:43 AM |
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
This is so dangerous. My aunt contracted cancer and died. Everyone in my family thinks it because she overused antibiotics for years and would try to treat herself using medications prescribed for others, thinking her ailments were the same as everyone elses so she'd pop all sorts of pills like they were candy.
Its a delicate balance though - antibiotics should be the last resort and taken when your body hasnt cleared the infection for days and you need to get on things quickly before they progress into a worse condition. I blame the pharmaceutical industry for brainwashing everyone into thinking a magic pill will erase all health issues. Its really not that simple. Any medication you take has consequences.
Message edited 6/16/2015 9:20:15 AM.
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| Posted 6/16/15 9:14 AM |
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MrsD121011
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 1460 total posts
Name:
Elicia
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Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
I myself had MRSA...MRSA iis a super bug that require intense antibitotics to treat. Things like MRSA come around because of the misuse of traditional antibiotics and unfortunately when the bugs aren't killed they mutate and become resistant to reg antibitoics. So things like not finishing your dosing or taking unecessary medication can cause these werid strains of infections that are hard to kill. I don't go to the doctor unless it is abosuletly necessary and DD has been on antibiotics only 2X. I let her system fight it up to a certain point and then we go. Thank god both my family doctor and her pediatrician are not antibiotic happy so we are on the same page.
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| Posted 6/16/15 10:20 AM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by MsSissy
Posted by jessnbrian
Seriously!
It drives me bonkers. DH has had MRSA THREE times... THREE TIMES!!!! It is not bad when you catch it early, and not ignore it... except that he almost did the first two times and we had to - I should say I had to - pack it, reopen it, dress it, drain it, repeat multiple times a day for a few weeks... and that was when he realized he better marry me ;)
That said, it's pretty scary, but, on the whole, we're getting better about it, and in general docs are less likely to prescribe out (except for the lazy ones). Honestly, I'm not crazy scared about it like I used to be,.... this is also an issue with overuse of hand sanitizer and antibacterial hand soap/gel/lotion/etc.
I'm confused by this post. Does your DH not take an antibiotic for MRSA?
ummm... no. LOL. He was on very heavy antibiotics, LOL. I was just saying that he has had MRSA 3 times and the only reason MRSA even exists is because the regular staph infection (which was bad enough) became resistant to methylicin antibiotics due to overuse. I was simply describing one result of overuse of antibiotics.
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| Posted 6/16/15 10:32 AM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
I hate taking meds if I don't have to. I'm taking antibiotics now because I had Bronchitis for about a week and I coughed myself into losing my voice before I decided to go to the doctor...  
I'm "healed" now, but I still have two more pills to take, and I will definitely be finishing the full dosage off.
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| Posted 6/16/15 10:42 AM |
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DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Actually the biggest danger to us are the antibiotics given to livestock and passed to us and our children in meat and milk. Buy organic hormone and antibiotic free products as well.
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| Posted 6/16/15 10:48 AM |
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MrsD121011
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 1460 total posts
Name:
Elicia
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by DRMom
Actually the biggest danger to us are the antibiotics given to livestock and passed to us and our children in meat and milk. Buy organic hormone and antibiotic free products as well.
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| Posted 6/16/15 10:52 AM |
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MsSissy
xoxoxo
Member since 3/07 39159 total posts
Name:
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by jessnbrian
Posted by MsSissy
Posted by jessnbrian
Seriously!
It drives me bonkers. DH has had MRSA THREE times... THREE TIMES!!!! It is not bad when you catch it early, and not ignore it... except that he almost did the first two times and we had to - I should say I had to - pack it, reopen it, dress it, drain it, repeat multiple times a day for a few weeks... and that was when he realized he better marry me ;)
That said, it's pretty scary, but, on the whole, we're getting better about it, and in general docs are less likely to prescribe out (except for the lazy ones). Honestly, I'm not crazy scared about it like I used to be,.... this is also an issue with overuse of hand sanitizer and antibacterial hand soap/gel/lotion/etc.
I'm confused by this post. Does your DH not take an antibiotic for MRSA?
ummm... no. LOL. He was on very heavy antibiotics, LOL. I was just saying that he has had MRSA 3 times and the only reason MRSA even exists is because the regular staph infection (which was bad enough) became resistant to methylicin antibiotics due to overuse. I was simply describing one result of overuse of antibiotics.
Oh ok! I was going to say that's extremely dangerous. Thanks for clearing that up
I know someone who has had it 5 times in 6 yrs. It's scary.
Message edited 6/16/2015 10:54:41 AM.
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| Posted 6/16/15 10:54 AM |
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jessnbrian
Only God knows His plan for us
Member since 4/13 7238 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by MsSissy
Posted by jessnbrian
Posted by MsSissy
Posted by jessnbrian
Seriously!
It drives me bonkers. DH has had MRSA THREE times... THREE TIMES!!!! It is not bad when you catch it early, and not ignore it... except that he almost did the first two times and we had to - I should say I had to - pack it, reopen it, dress it, drain it, repeat multiple times a day for a few weeks... and that was when he realized he better marry me ;)
That said, it's pretty scary, but, on the whole, we're getting better about it, and in general docs are less likely to prescribe out (except for the lazy ones). Honestly, I'm not crazy scared about it like I used to be,.... this is also an issue with overuse of hand sanitizer and antibacterial hand soap/gel/lotion/etc.
I'm confused by this post. Does your DH not take an antibiotic for MRSA?
ummm... no. LOL. He was on very heavy antibiotics, LOL. I was just saying that he has had MRSA 3 times and the only reason MRSA even exists is because the regular staph infection (which was bad enough) became resistant to methylicin antibiotics due to overuse. I was simply describing one result of overuse of antibiotics.
Oh ok! I was going to say that's extremely dangerous. Thanks for clearing that up
I know someone who has had it 5 times in 6 yrs. It's scary.
It's pretty insane. This was all within a 12 month period. Thankfully, he hasn't gotten it again in 7 years, but infectious disease said that once you have it you are more susceptible to getting it again.
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| Posted 6/16/15 12:29 PM |
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Otherme
Square head cutie pants
Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Wow, the idea of sharing antibiotics or using someone else's medicine is so bizarre to me - i can't fathom how people don't see how dangerous that is!
You're prescribed a medicine for having certain symptoms, and that prescription is targeted to fight that specific ailment you have. Not any random ache/pain/sickness you have.
We're not dr's .. dr's go to med school and pharmacists go to pharmacy school so they are trained in medicine. The general public is not!
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| Posted 6/16/15 1:25 PM |
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sfp0701
Liam's Mommy!
Member since 1/07 9764 total posts
Name:
Tricia
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
I had flagyl resistent c. diff. FOR 7 MONTHS!!! And I spent a week in the hospital. So I get your frustration. It's awful what antibiotics can do to you. FTR, I had strep. So i did need them. I caught it from my 11 month old who had frequent ear infections. Neither one of us are immune compromised and were not in hospitals. This stuff is IN the community BECAUSE of antibiotic abuse.
But, whenever i go to the dr they try and prescribe antibiotics and will actually say things like it's probably viral but.....
I don't go to the dr to get a script. I go to find out IF i need one. I have asthma and sometimes I do need them. But, I am so sick of saying.. "I have a c. diff history" and then watching them immediately say that they are not going to give them to me. Well duh!! However, they should not have given them anyway!!!! If you think it is viral then the appropriate course of treatment is to treat the symptoms and NOT prescribe antibiotics. I think the dr.'s feel pressure to give something when someone comes in a pays a co-pay to be seen. I for one am happy to be seen and be told, "It's viral". Give me a nose spray or tell me to take OTC meds. DON'T give antibiotics if they are not needed.
A good friend will often say, "I feel a little tired and funny so I am just taking a z pack". I makes me bonkers.
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| Posted 6/16/15 3:04 PM |
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sfp0701
Liam's Mommy!
Member since 1/07 9764 total posts
Name:
Tricia
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by sfp0701
I had flagyl resistent c. diff. FOR 7 MONTHS!!! And I spent a week in the hospital. So I get your frustration. It's awful what antibiotics can do to you. FTR, I had strep. So i did need them. I caught it from my 11 month old who had frequent ear infections. Neither one of us are immune compromised and were not in hospitals. This stuff is IN the community BECAUSE of antibiotic abuse.
But, whenever i go to the dr they try and prescribe antibiotics and will actually say things like it's probably viral but.....
I don't go to the dr to get a script. I go to find out IF i need one. I have asthma and sometimes I do need them. But, I am so sick of saying.. "I have a c. diff history" and then watching them immediately say that they are not going to give them to me. Well duh!! However, they should not have given them anyway!!!! If you think it is viral then the appropriate course of treatment is to treat the symptoms and NOT prescribe antibiotics. I think the dr.'s feel pressure to give something when someone comes in a pays a co-pay to be seen. I for one am happy to be seen and be told, "It's viral". Give me a nose spray or tell me to take OTC meds. DON'T give antibiotics if they are not needed.
A good friend will often say, "I feel a little tired and funny so I am just taking a z pack". I makes me bonkers.
And don't even get me started on the damage we are doing by overusing antibacterial stuff. There is no reason for it unless you work in healthcare. Your body has to be exposed to things in order for your immune system to work properly. It is actually hard now to find body soap/wash or dish soap that is not antibacterial. I carry the antibacterial spray but, only use if my kids hands are filthy and I have no sink, at a petting zoo or if we have been in the subway and are about to eat. Other than that.. I never use it. But, our kids are brainwashed. That stuff is everywhere and they always want to use it. It is NOT GOOD FOR YOU!!!
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| Posted 6/16/15 3:10 PM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by sfp0701
A good friend will often say, "I feel a little tired and funny so I am just taking a z pack". I makes me bonkers.
I know of one at work - won't take a medication she NEEDS because she doesn't want to take extra pills.
Yet in the next breath said she started taking antibiotics because she had gotten a sore throat 3 hours prior.
Really? I can tell you right now you have a sore throat because you have postnasal drip, and you have postnasal drip because you have seasonal allergies. If you take an allegra for a week and still have a sore throat, then see a dr.
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| Posted 6/16/15 3:15 PM |
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Re: Misusing/Overusing Anitbiotics
Posted by sfp0701
Posted by sfp0701
I had flagyl resistent c. diff. FOR 7 MONTHS!!! And I spent a week in the hospital. So I get your frustration. It's awful what antibiotics can do to you. FTR, I had strep. So i did need them. I caught it from my 11 month old who had frequent ear infections. Neither one of us are immune compromised and were not in hospitals. This stuff is IN the community BECAUSE of antibiotic abuse.
But, whenever i go to the dr they try and prescribe antibiotics and will actually say things like it's probably viral but.....
I don't go to the dr to get a script. I go to find out IF i need one. I have asthma and sometimes I do need them. But, I am so sick of saying.. "I have a c. diff history" and then watching them immediately say that they are not going to give them to me. Well duh!! However, they should not have given them anyway!!!! If you think it is viral then the appropriate course of treatment is to treat the symptoms and NOT prescribe antibiotics. I think the dr.'s feel pressure to give something when someone comes in a pays a co-pay to be seen. I for one am happy to be seen and be told, "It's viral". Give me a nose spray or tell me to take OTC meds. DON'T give antibiotics if they are not needed.
A good friend will often say, "I feel a little tired and funny so I am just taking a z pack". I makes me bonkers.
And don't even get me started on the damage we are doing by overusing antibacterial stuff. There is no reason for it unless you work in healthcare. Your body has to be exposed to things in order for your immune system to work properly. It is actually hard now to find body soap/wash or dish soap that is not antibacterial. I carry the antibacterial spray but, only use if my kids hands are filthy and I have no sink, at a petting zoo or if we have been in the subway and are about to eat. Other than that.. I never use it. But, our kids are brainwashed. That stuff is everywhere and they always want to use it. It is NOT GOOD FOR YOU!!!
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| Posted 6/16/15 4:56 PM |
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