Medical expert says you've been taking antibiotics the wrong way

Mark Frauenfelder 10:50 am Wed Aug 2, 2017

Whenever I am prescribed antibiotics, I faithfully take all the pills. I've always been told that's the way to prevent antibiotic resistance. Brad Spellberg, the chief medical officer for the Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center, says this is bullshit.

It is absolutely false that continuing to take antibiotics after you feel completely better will reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Quite to the contrary, it will very likely promote the emergence of antibiotic resistance!

Spellberg says the reason we are in an epidemic of antibiotic resistance is because "75 percent or more of antibiotic use is unnecessary." He says that if you do have to take antibiotics, "give your doctor a call and ask if you can safely stop therapy" when you feel much better.

The article has other interesting points, too. Well worth a read.

Image: Rob Brewer

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