Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Antibiotics
Finish your antibiotics!
Not taking the complete course gives bacteria the chance to become resistant to treatment. Scientists finally know how this happens.
When bacteria are exposed to non-lethal doses of antibiotics they release reactive oxygen into their cells. This causes mutations in the DNA. Some of these mutations provide the bacteria protection against the drugs.
Doctors prescibe doses of antibiotics that will kill the infecting bacteria. When we don't take all the medicine as prescribed our bodies contain just enough of the drugs to cause the mutations but not enough to clear ourselves of the infection.
Do yourself and the rest of humanity a favor and take your doctor's advice. These resistant bacteria can spread to other people and endanger their lives.
Click here to read more.
Copyright 2010 Brendan Craughwell. All rights reserved. SCIENTIFIC STATION is a trademark of Brendan Craughwell. All rights reserved.
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Cool! I always wondered why we're supposed to "finish!" the bottle - even when we feel all better! Great info. I wish someebody had told me this 30 years ago!
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