How have antibiotics changed the world?

Antibiotics have been a lifesaver literally since their invention. things like the common cold killed people if they were elderly or young the measles, the mumps, and contagious infections were all potentially deadly before this great discovery. We can thank this for the overpopulation in the world today as there are many babies that would die at birth from infections if not for the antibiotic. In war men died from infections from wounds, women died from infections from childbirth. The antibiotic kills infections that we would have died of before it came along. it is not a technical answer but a true one. Prior to the discovery , by Alexander Flemming, of the antibiotic, Penicillin, people died of what we now consider, simple bacterial infections. Due to antibiotics people live longer and have less chance of suffering loss of life/function from imflammation/infection.

Antibiotics have contributed to the establishment of a large pharmaceutical industry which has in turn led to further research & development of disease and drugs.

The modern supply of antibiotics and innapropriate or over usage has led to bacterial resistance. This has led to 'superbugs' such as Methacillin Resisitance Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) which holds hospitals at ransom whilst it causes further morbidity and mortality.

Psycologically, the availability of antibiotics has created a culture in the workplace that idealises peoples ability to get on with the job, rather then stay at home and recover.