According to the CDC’s Antibiotic Resistance Threats Report (2019), “more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. annually, and 35,000 people die as a result.”
Before we further examine the numbers, what are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are “medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections.” They are commonly used and may be taken orally, physically, or directly injected. However, just as common as their usages, there is a rising challenge of such agents–initially created for good use.
Currently, antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats worldwide, affecting not only individuals but society and countries as a whole.
Just as the name indicates, antibiotic resistance is when bacterial pathogens become resistant to antibiotics. Bacterias are known to have a characteristic of quick mutation rates, thus becoming easily immune to such medications. There are four overall characteristics of resistance: intrinsic resistance, acquired resistance, genetic change, and DNA transfer. Bacteria undergo multiple genetic changes to adapt to antibiotic actions in all four cases, whether to create resistance in their genetic material or create a heritable change.
Most resistance is derived from inappropriate prescriptions and usage of antibiotics. As people overuse and misuse medications when such needs aren’t as necessary, we fall further into the rabbit hole of this crisis.
Unlike many other illness-related issues, antibiotic resistance is critical in the sense that it can affect anyone and everyone. Although, indeed, certain groups of people (infants, elders, those living in unhygienic situations, healthcare workers, those with weaker immune systems, etc.) are more susceptible to these threats, it isn’t something that any single individual can disregard.
As for college students who are relatively young and active, many seem to underestimate the issue of antibiotic resistance and the situation they might be in. A study in 2018 showed that those aged 20-34 were “twice as likely” as older individuals to find medical attention regarding situations related to antibiotic drugs. Therefore, raising awareness and understanding the seriousness of antibiotic resistance is essential.
Furthermore, another difficulty with antibiotic resistance is that the resistance isn’t easily noticed unless proper testing–taking of a sample of the infected area and running a blood/urine/wound/sputum/throat culture is conducted. Thus, one might continue with their medication without realizing that the infections aren’t getting any better–if not worse.
The risks of antibiotic resistance include but are not limited to; increased severity of illness and death, increased treatment costs and hospital stay, and increased medication side effects.
According to the World Health Organization, “Without urgent action, we are heading for a post-antibiotic era, in which common infections and minor injuries can once again kill.” At such a rate, we may be headed for a world where minor health concerns–of the present–become deadly. Reflecting on the past when infections such as the common cold were fatal, the immunity of our current, overall world might be decreasing. The U.S. saw a gradual increase in infection and death rates within several years–leading more corporations and organizations to seek solutions.
As the temperature drops, the student population at Andrews University is more likely to become sick. Students should take responsibility for their health to prevent illness from impacting individuals as well as the campus as a whole. Although AU officially declared last semester that all Covid precautions are no longer required, if you are sick, in addition to correct antibiotic usage, it might still be helpful to take similar precautions like we used to during the height of the pandemic, such as wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and social distancing.
Below is a list of a few actions we, as students at Andrews, can take to prevent such a degree of complication:
- Do not take/require unnecessary prescriptions
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Take prescribed antibiotics properly
- Don’t use someone else’s medications
- Don’t forget to take the medicine
- Do take all prescribed medications for their prescribed durations, even if you feel better
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Carry out good hygiene, such as washing hands and showering ofte
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.