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As many as a thousand people may be dying in New Zealand each year as the result of infections contracted within New Zealand hospitals; the figure of a thousand is based on 10% of United Kingdom estimates.
My intention is not to unduly over dramatise the reality of what we are experiencing within New Zealand, it is a fact that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics has contributed to what has developed over recent years.
Bacteria and viruses are constantly evolving; the most successful are the ones that adapt to overcome our immune system and antibiotics which are our first and second line of defence. The need to constantly develop more effective antibiotics is rather like an arms race between competing forces; on one side we have the pathogens, on the other side we have our choice of antibiotics. The over prescription and misuse of antibiotics has contributed to our present reality.
When prescribed antibiotics, it’s crucial to complete the full course. Not doing so can leave some pathogens in your body, allowing them to adapt and become resistant to that antibiotic. This resistance can not only affect you but also others you might infect.
We see this issue with diseases like tuberculosis, which was nearly eradicated but is now making a comeback. There are many other examples of antibiotic resistance leading to severe health problems.
What are commonly known as hospital bugs are in fact staphylococcus bacteria or staph infection. A third of the population carry staph bacteria on their skin, these bacteria thrive in moist areas of our bodies, such as armpits, nose and hands. Until these bacteria enter the bloodstream they are generally harmless as the immune system is generally robust enough to ward off any health risk they may pose.
However, in hospitals, the risk increases. Patients are often already ill, and cross-contamination is common through contact with contaminated surfaces like bedding, door handles and handrails etc. During surgeries, the skin (our protective barrier) is compromised, giving pathogens a chance to enter the bloodstream where they multiply and can cause infections.
In the event our immune system is overwhelmed and our second line of defence, antibiotics can’t cope, major health issues like blood poisoning and organ failure can develop. As with flu viruses, those at most risk are the elderly, the very young and people on anti-rejection medication after transplants. This may include immune deficiency conditions and chemotherapy patients.
Our primary defences are our skin and a robust immune system. To support your immune system, maintain a healthy diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fruit, meat and fish high in omega-3. Supplements can also be beneficial. Look for those containing:
By strengthening our immune system and using antibiotics responsibly, we can reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections and combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.