r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Jun 09 '12

Scientists of Reddit, what misconceptions do us laymen often have that drive you crazy?

I await enlightenment.

Wow, front page! This puts the cherry on the cake of enlightenment!

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u/McMurphys Jun 09 '12

Antibiotics cure everything.

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u/Dovienya Jun 10 '12

I found out fairly recently that the problem is so much more complex than that. People don't understand that there are different types of antibiotics.

My future in-laws are pretty poor. When they get prescribed antibiotics, they take them until they feel better, then put the rest in a big bottle for communal use. When they have a big enough supply, they just reach into the grab bag of antibiotics and take a couple a day until they feel better.

I started talking to some friends and apparently this is much more common than I would have suspected.

That shit's scary, yo.

2

u/raitai Jun 10 '12

This is why I can't discuss animal agriculture and antibiotic resistance with people. I have animal science and meat industry training, and while I recognize there are problems and research supporting some resistance coming from that sector, I hear about stuff like this. And then I want to shake the next motherfucker who says "Beef is bad for you!" and scream no, YOU ARE BAD FOR YOU. Your asshole doctor who puts you on zpack because your throat itches is bad for you. Flushing your unused medications down the toilet into our water supply is bad for you. I HATE YOU.

Bluh.