Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria and its Dangers
Antibiotic resistance occurs when antibiotics no longer work against disease-causing bacteria. These infections are difficult to treat and can mean longer lasting illnesses, more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and the need for more expensive and toxic medications. Some resistant infections can even cause death. Although experts are working to develop new antibiotics and other treatments to keep pace with antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, infectious organisms can adapt quickly. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria will continue to be a global health concern — and using antibiotics wisely is important for preventing their spread.
Pharmaceutical Companies: How Much Do They Control?
Every day Americans are subjected to a barrage of advertising by the pharmaceutical industry. Mixed in with the pitches for a particular drug—usually featuring beautiful people enjoying themselves in the great outdoors—is a more general message. Boiled down to its essentials, it is this: “Yes, prescription drugs are expensive, but that shows how valuable they are. Besides, our research and development costs are enormous, and we need to cover them somehow. As “research-based” companies, we turn out a steady stream of innovative medicines that lengthen life, enhance its quality, and avert more expensive medical care. Yes, we have them to thank for medicinal breakthroughs, and scientific research certainly isn’t cheap; however, when the goal of a pharmaceutical company turns from profit to excess profit, everyone suffers.