Trading Cards Inside The Body

Written by Riya Chhaya

My mom always taught me to bring a pack of cards on any trip, no matter the distance or length. While it seemed tedious and boring at first, I quickly realized how fun playing different card games with friends and family can be. But it seems like I’m not the only one who enjoys trading cards with my peers, because the bacteria in our bodies can do something surprisingly similar!

Obviously, our bodies’ card games look a little different. When we have a cold, our first instinct is often to take antibiotics or medication. However, this habit can actually harm us rather than help us. These antibiotics aren’t always successful in killing all the bacteria; a few resistant ones survive.

The Cleveland Clinic explains that these surviving bacteria are called superbugs. Specifically, superbugs are germs that create hard-to-treat infections because they’ve developed antibiotic resistance. In simpler words, the germs have become used to antibiotics, allowing them to figure out how to fight them (Cleveland Clinic, 20204)

Unfortunately, the problem does not stop there. Just like me on those trips, these superbugs “trade” their cards, or DNA and genes. Bacteria reproduce very quickly, so these survivors, or superbugs, create offspring of themselves and pass on their resistant gene (Subha, 2025). Eventually, these superbugs dominate the population. This has extreme consequences because they can create illnesses and viruses that are extremely difficult to treat and almost impossible to medicate (Zoia, 2025).

But, don’t worry too much — there is a solution! The first solution seems basic, but it requires real, conscious effort. We must first reduce the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. In other words, don’t use antibiotics unless absolutely necessary, and when prescribed with a dosage, carry out the full course and take the correct amount (Henry Ford Health Staff, 2025).

Secondly, good hygiene goes a long way! Washing your hands with soap and water seems simple, but it can definitely stop the spread of germs. By following these simple, yet effective steps, we all can eliminate the danger of superbugs. So, be sure to consciously incorporate these solutions into your daily life and encourage others to do the same.

So, one thing is clear: trading cards goes beyond just my road trips. Our body is a whole card game, with bacteria being the mastermind. Superbugs form when we overuse antibiotics, and it is time we open our eyes to the consequences and reverse the cycle. Together, let’s trade our own cards!

References:

1. Chernova Zoia. “The Rise of Superbugs: A Looming Health Crisis.” Immunology & Microbiology from Technology Networks, Technology Networks, 2 Apr. 2025, www.technologynetworks.com/immunology/articles/the-rise-of-superbugs-a-looming-health-crisis-397968.
2. Cleveland Clinic. “Superbugs: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Examples.” Cleveland Clinic, 24 July 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/superbug.
3. “Securly — Geolocation Sharing.” Henryford.com, 2025, www.henryford.com/blog/2025/10/superbugs.
4. “Superbugs & Antimicrobial Resistance: A Global Health Crisis | Norgen Biotek Corp.” Norgenbiotek.com, 2025, norgenbiotek.com/blog/superbugs-antimicrobial-resistance-global-health-crisis?srsltid=AfmBOor2I_ExqlyrlhBuaEYLx6B6E6mf_UhZc82fm9qUg1G3HZCRMOfE. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.