The results of a study determining antibiotic
prescription rates show that elderly individuals in the South are being
prescribed more than those of other regions. The reason for this could be due
to the antibiotics being overprescribed in this region. Moreover, researchers
believe that the main cause is overuse by the older men and women in the South.
The overuse of the antibiotics is causing financial and biological problems, as
there is increased spending, a decrease in effectiveness, and negative side
effects. Generally, the high numbers of antibiotic prescriptions throughout the
United States during the first quarter may suggest overprescribing because the
widespread viral infections during this time of year are not aided by
antibiotics. With improvements in the South for antibiotic overuse and
overprescribing necessary, different programs and strategies are looking to be
employed to help fix this problem.
Reference:
O'Connor, Anahad. "Antibiotic Prescription? It May
Depend on Where You Live." Health
and Wellness Well Blog. The New York Times, 25 Sept. 2012. Web. 1 Oct.
2012. .
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