Should New Haven residents stockpile antibiotics to protect themselves against bioterrorism?
The Health Department strongly recommends against stockpiling antibiotics, as the use of antibiotics in the absence of evidence indicating a bioterrorist attack is not without risk. Inappropriate use of antibiotics may cause the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of common bacterial diseases. In addition, using antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription may cause serious adverse reactions including: diarrhea, abdominal symptoms, rash, allergic reactions, and potentially dangerous interference with other medications. Individuals who stockpile antibiotics would also be more likely to use expired medications. Additionally, stockpiling could lead to shortages of national supplies for routine or emergency use. A large stockpile of pharmaceuticals – including antibiotics that are effective against the most likely bacterial bioterrorist agents – has been amassed by the federal government and would be rapidly available for distribution in the event of a bioterrorist attack. Should ci
