Early Life Infections and the Immune System
There is a growing body of literature suggesting that early (infant) antibiotic use (and perhaps vaccination) is associated with increased incidence of adolescent diseases like asthma, and other atopic diseases like hay fever and eczema.
The general consensus seems to be that the Immune System is strengthened by fighting early mild infections, and that surpressing them artificially, with antibiotics and certain vaccines, leaves the child more prone to atopy later in life. At least that’s what the statistics seems to point to.
Review this collection of citations compiled by Daniel J. Murphy, DC, FACO, titled: “Early Life Infections Improve the Function of the Immune System”
You may also want to review the Antibiotic Abuse Page for the many other complications associated with antibiotic overuse, and the Iatrogenic Injury Page for more information about the dangers of other medicines (like NSAIDS) which are commonly prescribed by medical doctors.
I like to direct my patients to a persuasive article against giving routine vaccinations to children, written by Richard Moskowitz, M. D. , which is well-written and well documented. Dr. Moskowitz writes “eventually the day came when I could no longer bring myself to give the shots, even when the parents wished me to and goes on to explain his reasoning and share personal experiences.
http://www.vaclib.org/basic/caseagainst.htm