What concerns me even more about this is the overuse of antibiotics. Using antibiotics with out good cause can lead to resistant strains, and then what are we going to do? You keep hearing about how so many people are taking Cipro. Where are they getting it? Shouldn't doctors know better than to prescribe it when it's not needed?

I agree, there is a lot of potentially damaging panic
right now and that is a bigger threat than the anthrax itself.

Thankfully, doxycycline is now being recommended over Cipro, so as to preserve Cipro for the future. Many people are getting their Cipro in Mexico or from the internet(both are legal), but any responsible retailer will warn that it should not be taken unless there has been a real, known exposure to anthrax. Doctors should and probably do know better, but can give in to pressure from a frightened patient. Also, people may be ignoring their doctor's advice not to use the Cipro before it's needed and are taking it as a preventative
(which is a terrible, medically-unsound idea).
Anyone worried should focus on boosting their immune-system, as not everyone exposed to anthrax actually develops the disease.

Marie

[This message has been edited by moderator3 (edited 11-05-2001).]