George,
Hospitals have always had high concentrations of pathogenic microbes
Yes they do, but, from whence do the originate? People. And who goes to the hospital the most? Those people who succumb to those microbes. Interestingly enough, it is NOT the hospitals that are at fault for the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of microbes, it is the public. Sadly, the medical profession obliges. Antibiotics unfortunately, have/are, prescribed for every cough that comes in the door- even known viral symptoms/infections (for which antibiotics are useless). However, the public demands medication and the medical community is only to happy to oblige as we don't want to turn away and discourage future healthcare dollars. There is another factor which plays into this as well. And, again, it is the public's fault. The "new" strains of TB (drug resistant) that you have heard about is a classic example as a result of NOT taking the medication until finished. How many of us have been given a prescription, filled it, started it, felt good half way through, and didn't finish as there was no need to- we felt fine??? The people that most likely come down with TB in this country are the very poor, usually drug dependant and as a result of their drug dependency, very unreliable for completing their prescription medication. What happens is that you knock the "bug" down without completely destroying it, although now, your body is capable of keeping it at bay. However, the bug (still living but weak) goes through a mutation- evolution if you will, and next thing you know, a "new" strain of the bug emerges. Stronger than before because it survived the last onslaught of XYZ antibiotics. You then give that "bug" to your girl friend with a kiss and the stronger version goes to work on her. You see where I'm going with this? So, it is true that if you go to the hospital, you will undoubtedly be exposed to a larger concentration of potent microbes that you wouldn't normally be exposed to, (That's where the people who ARE sick go) but, realize that it's not the hospital's fault all the time.
After all that, I agree with your statement:
Maybe there's a genetic solution to this problem? Hint, hint, DNAP? :):)
Theo;-) |
