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Don't Be Anti-Antibiotics

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There are many including me who believe we are too reliant on the use of antibiotics and, as a result, are creating mutant bacterial strains that are extremely difficult to treat. But there are those who disagree.

Certainly, bacteria resistant to antibiotics, like MRSA, have made many people worry that someday there will be a bacterium that no antibiotic can fight. But others believe that we should be careful not to be anti-antibiotic for fear that it might lead to a dramatic reduction in their use and that some people may develop unfounded fear of antibiotics in the same way that vaccines are sometimes feared.

It is an interesting argument but my feeling is that too much of anything is bad. When antibiotics are necessary they should be used - but not overused when not required.

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