[ETL]

While there is little to no evidence that antibacterial soaps have any positive effect in non-clinical settings, there *IS* a lot of evidence that the improper use of these products is contributing to the emergence of so called “super bugs”: bacteria that have become resistant to the agents used in these soaps.

A sort of "survival of the fittest" at the microbial level, where only or largely the resistant types live on to pass their genes to the next generation.

It’s like folks who insist on antibiotic medications when they get a cold: it hardens the bacteria in their bodies while having no effect on the virus. This makes the antibiotic less effective for all who inadvertently are exposed to those same hardened bacteria later on.

Another excellent point. Bacteria and viruses are two completely different beasts.

*IF* the public were better informed by the responsible parties, then there wouldn’t be any call for the above actions, as a well-informed populace would shun these products for their own good. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be have been quite successful in dumbing down the people, and the manufacturers are more than happy to profit from the public’s lack of knowledge.

I find it incredible that in this information age we're living in, we actually seem to be getting dumber as a people.

[Ken H]

I find it incredible that in this information age we're living in, we actually seem to be getting dumber as a people.

Idiocracy. All we need now is President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho.

[Mr Rogers]

“It’s like folks who insist on antibiotic medications when they get a cold: it hardens the bacteria in their bodies while having no effect on the virus.”

I strongly suspect my viral infections of cold/flue spawn secondary infections involving bacteria. Why? Maybe it is the green/yellow snot that always goes with them. Or maybe experience has taught me a single dose of an antibiotic will leave me feeling great in 24 hours or less.

A vet treating my dog for a viral infection gave him an antibiotic. Said the antibiotic would deal with the secondary infection and allow the body to then concentrate on the virus.

All I can say is that a lot of experience tells me a single dose of antibiotic can turn my sinuses from having so much pressure that they feel like they are going to explode to feeling fine, often in 12 hours and almost always within 24 hours.

[Carthego delenda est]

“I find it incredible that in this information age we’re living in, we actually seem to be getting dumber as a people.”

I agree. People have access to so much information right at their fingertips, and yet seem to desire to remain ignorant.