Take Care-Not Antibiotics!!
A poem about the dangers of antibiotic resistance
By Samantha Simboo
“Doctor can you give me antibiotics for this cold?
I’m tired of being sick and I was told, this is the only thing that will work!”
That’s exactly what patients ask thinking that I am very successful
But little do they know that I can’t get rid of viruses!
I am antibiotics, I treat bacterial infections like tuberculosis and cholera just to name a few.
I’m known as Penicillin, Ampicillin… you’ve heard of me haven’t you?
As awesome as I can be, I am not needed every time,
Simply because the immune system fights off infections on its own.
Yes, it’s so divine!
Unfortunately, people around the world are developing infections which can no longer be cured by me,
The term given to this is ‘antibiotic resistance’ which describes the situation perfectly.
With the potential to become the biggest killer yet,
Unbelievable, those microscopic organisms are such a big threat!
But what causes antibiotic resistance? I’m sure you would like an explanation;
Some reasons include: Taking me when I’m not needed, lack of new ones and poor sanitation.
So how does resistance happen and why is there persistence?
So when you take me, there are some bacteria which I cannot kill; they survive to be known as drug-resistant,
passing on their resistant genes to others,
And when you take me again you will not recover!
So, what can you do to help save me?
Simple, know your ABC!
A- Ask if I am necessary,
B- I only work on Bacteria
C- Complete your course!
Samantha is currently a full time, 4th year student, registered for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S.) Degree Programme in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus. She is expected to complete her degree in June 2022.