Penicillin apparently won't do it anymore

I remember not too long ago if someone was developing early signs of a cold he or she would say, "I’m gonna go to the doctor today and get a shot of penicillin."  For many, it worked. But those days should be over.  

A recent report from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta said there are over 2,000,000 infections every year from “super” bugs or drug resistant bacteria.  

These infections kill over 23,000 people a year!  So we need to be very cautious and judicious in our use of antibiotics.  Perhaps a simple aspirin and hydration would be better.

If you have a question about infections, please feel free to call my office or visit my website to send me a message via my "Ask the Doctor" form.

ANTIBIOTICS AND BREAST AUGMENTATION

News from Dr. Robert J. Brueck MD , plastic surgeon in Fort Myers, FL

For years, we used to prescribe pre-operative antibiotics for breast augmentation patients. We would then continue the antibiotics for several days post-op. The question is, is it really necessary?

A recent study seemed to answer that question.

A study of 605 patients over 4 years revealed there was NO difference in over all complications, infection or capsular contraction in patients who received 3 days of postoperative antibiotics versus those who received none.