Hello! In this infographic, I talk about antibiotics and the uprising threat of super bacteria.
What you Must Know About Antibiotics and Superbugs
What are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics or antibacterials are a type of antimicrobial designed to kill or neutralize bacterial diseases such as Tuberculosis and Salmonella. The first antibiotic was Penicillin, found and developed by Alexander Fleming.
How do they work?
Antibiotics can stop the vital processes of a bacteria or rip its outer layer, killing it.
Important!
Antibiotics neither kill VIRUSES nor cure the FLU and COLD! This is a large misconception!
What’s the deal?
Due to the incredible powers of antibiotics, almost any previously dangerous bacteria was easily treatable. Antibiotics are now mass produced and are used excessively, even given to animals in their food.
In Darwin’s theory of natural selection, sometimes a random mutation will happen in an individual bacteria, sometimes giving it an advantage against a threat. Even Alexander Fleming said that the improper use of antibiotics would lead to resistant bacteria.
Because of such a large consumption of antibiotics, bacteria such as e.coli, TB and salmonella have mutated into super bacteria. These bacteria are immune to our antibiotics, some even to colistin, a last resort antibiotic.
The Consequences
- More serious symptoms
- Increased damage on body by antibiotics
- Less effective and more expensive treatment
- Extended recovery time
- Massive costs
- Higher death rates
- A larger chance for a pandemic
So What?
In the past, 1000s of people died every day by bacteria. With antibiotics, a massive danger is taken off our shoulders, allowing us to pursue more important issues. By creating super bacteria, we’re turning back to the past, losing precious time and money.
This is why you and I must stop the formation of super bacteria.
The Good News
Luckily, scientists are trying to stay one step ahead of the super bacterias and are working to find new antibiotics and cures.
What Should you do?
Don’t freak out just yet. If we want to avoid even stronger super bacteria and give scientists more time to make new medicine, follow these easy steps below.
- Super bacteria’s existence is mainly due to improper and over consumption of antibiotics. Antibiotics are a last resort, not for infections that can resolve by themselves. Only take them with a doctor’s prescription.
And remember, antibiotics are useless against viruses, the flu, and the cold. Taking antibiotics for thosepurposes would only hurt the body.
2. Complete a whole prescription no matter what. Don’t take leftover or anyone else’s antibiotics. Also remember to not pressure doctor’s to give a prescription, ask for advice.
3. To avoid taking food consisting antibiotics, buy organic produce.
4. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, clean your food and kitchen surfaces thoroughly.
5. Take vaccines. They will give temporary immunity against some diseases. Remember to first consult a doctor.
Leave a Reply