While conclusive proof is lacking, scientists have found some indications that antibiotic use in children may be linked to the development of asthma, hay fever and eczema. These allergies have all increased significantly over the last several decades in developed countries where antibiotic use is high. One study of children in a large general practice population found that those who were given one course of broad spectrum antibiotics before age one had double the risk of becoming asthmatic compared to other children. Another study found that children given one course of antibiotics had a four-fold increased risk. In both studies, those given additional courses of antibiotics had even higher risks. Scientists believe that the antibiotics may destroy certain types of bacteria that have beneficial effects on the developing immune system. 
[SOURCE: "Could GP Antibiotic Use in Children Lead to Allergies?" Pulse, April 29, 2002]

Reducing Agricultural Use of Antibiotics
                                                                                   

One major reason for the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains is the widespread use of antibiotics in livestock and chicken feed. One recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine [October 18, 2001] reported finding antibiotic-resistant salmonella in ground meat. Several producers have promised to cut back on the use of antibiotics, and the Food and Drug Administration recently proposed new regulations. 
[SOURCE: "Overdoing Antibiotics," Harvard Health Letter, November, 2002]

What's Your Antibiotic IQ? 
                                                                                                           

Colds are viral rather than bacterial, and antibiotic medications have no effect against viruses. Yet a recent Harris poll found that nearly half of Americans incorrectly believe that antibiotics are at least somewhat effective for treating colds. Of those who didn't know the facts about antibiotics, 19 percent had a high school education or less...but 10 percent had graduate degrees. 
[SOURCE: "Public Aware of but Confused about Antibiotic Resistance," AORN Journal, May, 2002]