Battling Superbugs
By: NBC News
Updated: January 26, 2012
Many of us have suffered through a cold or the Flu this season, but when you turn to your Doctor for relief, but careful what you wish for.
"Many many patients still do believe that antibiotics treat the common cold or viral infections often times they come in asking for antibiotics," said Dr. Devang Doshi, Lung Specialist.
Antibiotics only kill bacterial infections, and are un-useful against viruses, and misusing them can create resistant superbugs.
"Because we're starting to see more drug-resistant organisms out there, Physicians will try what has normally worked in the past as the first line defense drug and then if the patient persists and still has indications for an infection, then they'll go and try a second or third antibiotic," said Dr. Paul Beaupre, Hospital CEO.
Bay area hospitals say they have seen an increase in the superbug known as MRSA and C Diff infections, which can cause everything from diarrhea to inflammation of the colon.
"These organisms are essentially mutating and are able to recognize the antibiotic and then develop resistance to the antibiotic," said Dr. Beaupre.
Researchers say taking antibiotics without a prescription or not following directions on the prescription exposes the antibiotics to both good and bad bacteria in your body which allows the bugs a chance to find ways to beat the antibiotic weapons.
"Don't have the expectation that as soon as you walk in and see your Physician that the Physician is going to give you an antibiotic just because you have a runny nose," said Dr. Beaupre.
Washing your hands several times a day can also protect you from superbugs.
"Many many patients still do believe that antibiotics treat the common cold or viral infections often times they come in asking for antibiotics," said Dr. Devang Doshi, Lung Specialist.
Antibiotics only kill bacterial infections, and are un-useful against viruses, and misusing them can create resistant superbugs.
"Because we're starting to see more drug-resistant organisms out there, Physicians will try what has normally worked in the past as the first line defense drug and then if the patient persists and still has indications for an infection, then they'll go and try a second or third antibiotic," said Dr. Paul Beaupre, Hospital CEO.
Bay area hospitals say they have seen an increase in the superbug known as MRSA and C Diff infections, which can cause everything from diarrhea to inflammation of the colon.
"These organisms are essentially mutating and are able to recognize the antibiotic and then develop resistance to the antibiotic," said Dr. Beaupre.
Researchers say taking antibiotics without a prescription or not following directions on the prescription exposes the antibiotics to both good and bad bacteria in your body which allows the bugs a chance to find ways to beat the antibiotic weapons.
"Don't have the expectation that as soon as you walk in and see your Physician that the Physician is going to give you an antibiotic just because you have a runny nose," said Dr. Beaupre.
Washing your hands several times a day can also protect you from superbugs.
