Indiscriminate use of antibiotics contribute to their loss of effectiveness over time. The statistics are alarming. Again, indiscriminate use of antibiotics can induce resistance. If this trend continues, doctors will not know which medications to use, nor when and how to use them, because results will be unpredictable. Antibiotics are over prescribed and should be used judiciously.
Antibiotics are only one type of ammunition in the war against an ever-changing and alert enemy.
So, indiscriminate use of antibiotics wastes valuable bullets, both individually and on a global scale. It is important that patients and their physicians use antibiotics carefully and appropriately to maximize antibiotic effectiveness over the long-term. If possible, use vaccination to prevent the need for antibiotic therapy. In the case of streptococcus pneumonia, there is a vaccine. If you are at risk, get it now, well-ahead of flu season.