Summary

In Chapter 16, "Antimicrobials: The Tragedy of the Commons," Osterholm explains the history of antibiotic use, and over-use, and how this has led to a large number of "superbugs," diseases that have evolved immunity to some or all antibiotics. Osterholm and Olshaker quote a couple of physicians, including Olshaker’s brother, who say that most doctors would much rather prescribe unnecessary antibiotics just in case than not prescribe antibiotics that turn out to have been needed. But they also say that antibiotics are often prescribed just to make the patient (or the young patient's parents, as the case often is) feel better, feel that they and the doctors are doing something to try to help, even if that something is not actually the right solution to the problem. The tragedy of the commons says that if just one person acts selfishly, then they get...