Antibiotics: When They Can and Can't
Help
What are
antibiotics?
Antibiotics are strong medicines that can
stop some infections and save lives. But
antibiotics can cause more harm than good when
they aren’t used the right way. You can protect
yourself and your family by knowing when you
should use antibiotics and when you shouldn’t.
Do antibiotics work against all
infections?
No. Antibiotics only
work against infections caused by bacteria. They
don’t work against any infections caused by
viruses. Viruses cause colds and most coughs and
sore throats.
What is “bacterial resistance”?
Usually antibiotics
kill bacteria or stop them from growing. However,
some bacteria have become resistant to specific
antibiotics so the antibiotics don’t work against
them. Resistant bacteria develop faster when
antibiotics are used too often or are not used
correctly.
Resistant bacteria
sometimes can be treated with antibiotics to which
the bacteria have not yet become resistant. These
medicines may have to be given intravenously
(through a vein) in a hospital. A few kinds of
resistant bacteria are untreatable.
What can I do to help myself and my
family?
Don’t
expect antibiotics to cure every illness. Don’t
take antibiotics for colds or the flu. Often, the
best thing you can do is to let colds and the flu
run their course. Sometimes this can take 2 weeks
or more. Call your doctor if your illness gets
worse after 2 weeks.
How do I know when I need
antibiotics?
The answer depends on
what is causing your infection. The following are
some basic guidelines:
- Colds and
flu. Viruses cause these illnesses. They
can’t be cured with antibiotics.
- Cough or
bronchitis. Viruses almost always cause
these. However, if you have a problem with your
lungs or an illness that lasts a long time,
bacteria may actually be the cause. Your doctor
may decide to try using an antibiotic.
- Sore
throat. Most sore throats are caused by
viruses and don’t need antibiotics. However,
strep throat is caused by bacteria. A throat
swab and a lab test are usually needed before
your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic for
strep throat.
- Ear
infections. There are several types of ear
infections. Antibiotics are used for some, but
not all, ear infections.
- Sinus
infections. Antibiotics are often used to
treat sinus infections. A runny nose and yellow
or green mucus do not necessarily mean you need
an antibiotic.