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Originally Posted by mugwump
We build immunity to both viruses and bacteria. But some viruses mutate so quickly that you need a new vaccine every year. If you caught the flu last year, your immune system won't recognize this year's new and improved version. Other viruses, like chicken pox, don't change -- if you caught it as a child you get lifetime immunity. And some bacteria are really "smart" and build slimy cocoons to "hide" from our immune system.
And yes, more and more antibacterials mean super bugs. That antibacterial pump soap you use gets washed down the drain and into the water supply. Bacteria develop resistance to it. These bugs don't get any nastier than those our g-grandparents faced, we just have no way to fight them. People used to die from staph infections all the time -- those days are back again.
The quiz is on Thursday.  |
Mug-
You forgot to mention all of the 'half regimen' antibiotic therapies.... People stopping a therapeutic antibiotic regimen as soon as they feel better and saving the remainder of the Rx for 'next time'. the stupidest thing one could ever do - there is stuff out there that has become resistant to the really big gun C-sporins and "maxi-cillins" for just this reason. Let kids eat dirt, wipe their noses and cough - don't ask for an antibiotic every time you go to the Doc, even if it's viral (90% the docs fault, he/she should never cave).
Everything being sterile and over antibioticized is going to kill the industrialized countries - no immune system leaves you wide open to bioterror and just plain endemic infections.
***ok, rant over - time to go thee doctor and get some ampicillin for my allergies..... NOT  ***
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In the business of war, there is no invariable stategic advantage (shih) which can be relied upon at all times.
Sun-Tzu, "The Art of Warfare"
Hearing, I forget. Seeing, I remember. Writing (doing), I understand. Chinese Proverb
Too many people are looking for a magic bullet. As always, shot placement is the key. ~TR
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