Thankful for Antibiotics
Penicillin was first discovered in 1928 but only became commercially available in 1945. From 1942 to 1945 it was used by the military in the Second World War. It revolutionized medicine, permitting infections to be treated quickly, effectively and safely.
In the past two weeks, I have been suffering from a really bad cough. My chest was hurting and I was exhausted. Finally 10 days in, after using all variety of over the counter medications, I visited my doctor and she prescribed a strong antibiotic. It looks like two horse pills, to be taken every day at dinner time. Four days in, I am finally feeling better.
Medical texts say that the first rule of antibiotics is to try not to use them and the second rule is to try not to use too many of them. Although I understand and appreciate the context of that advice, I was incredibly appreciative of antibiotics the past few days and credit them with my feeling much better today.
