The more we take, the sicker we get

Kim Painter, USA TODAY, says antibiotic use is dropping, but the states that use them the most (Southeast) are in danger of no longer responding to them.

Case in point: urinary tract infections—they are becoming more resistant and also most prevalent in states where antibiotics are most prescribed.

We are talking to you, KY, WV, TN, MS, and LA.

Maybe these states get more antibiotics because there is more incidence of upper respiratory illness due to smoking, scientists speculate.

Yet, other studies do not show a reason.

Amazing but there is little evidence that more use of antibiotics help overall – or that less use hurts.

Certainly, in individual cases, they can save lives—but overall, this is not so clear.