You're proposing to self-treat yourself or your family if you think you might have anthrax? What you're suggesting is not only dangerous, it may be deadly--not only for you, but for others as well who might truly need it. If we all started stockpiling antibiotics, esp. the multi-spectrum, strong ones like Cipro, there would be none left for those who would really need them--like when flu season hits in a few weeks. And if you take an antibiotic like Cipro on a whim, then if you really got sick and needed it, it might be ineffective for you.
Think of the implications of what you're suggesting. It plays into the worst fears and selfishness of the citizenry.
1. the flu is a virus. The standard advice has been to NOT take antibiotics for a virus, because it will do nothing.
2. are you a doctor? At a press conference yesterday it came out that doctors are cleaning out cipro from pharmacies -- for themselves and their families. Your advice would seem to counter the advice doctors are giving themselves, and their families. What are your medical qualifications to give out this type of advice?
I don't think so. NO one is suggesting we go off the deep end and start taking antibiotics. We would simply like to know that if we contract the Anthrax or are EXPOSED to it, we have the drugs available...if needed.
No positive indication in any of the people in Pataki's office, BUT THEY ARE TAKING ANTIBIOTICS.....duhhhh, "just as a precaution, and the intelligent thing to do"...a quote from Gov. Pataki himself...just now.
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The implicatios that you miss is the right of the people to look to their own self-defense. The zero-sum arguement is nihilistic -- the law of supply and demand is already working. Bayer pharmaceuticals is gearing up to produce huge quantities of Cipro and the several other antibiotics successful against anthrax.
If I suspect I have been infected, I would take an antibiotic until the tests came back (two days?), and then stop or continue. This program does nothing to affect resistance.
This is not a "whim". It is a sensible precaution that I can do for myself and incidentally relieve the burden on official health professionals. I would not "stockpile" (I hear the pejorative word, hoard), just enough for the ten days needed.
Contrary to your final statement, I think self medication is the essence of self determination and independence and not wasting the time and resources of the health industry is the best way to serve my fellow citizen.
You imply we are panicky and selfish as a people. Universal examples now exist that prove the reverse. Passengers on hijacked planes do not lose their heads; inhabitants of burning, crumbling buildings do not trample each other to get to the exit. And, gun owners do not go around shooting at everything in sight.
There is a parallel with gun control in your arguement . And your solution would be to ration Cipro and distribute it to those who qualify for it. Control, delay, discrimination.
Fie on you.