Colds and flus - antibiotics

Alternative Names: Antibiotics - colds and flu

Colds and flus are NOT cured by antibiotics.

Information

Antibiotics will fight bacterial infections, but they do not treat viral infections such as colds and the flu. If you have a viral infection, antibiotics will NOT make you better.

Antibiotics can destroy normal ("healthy") bacteria that live in your body. This can result in symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vaginal yeast infections.

The overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rise in drug-resistant bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics also poses a risk of allergic reactions, so they should not be taken when there is no possible benefit.

Anon JB. Upper Respiratory Infections. American Journal of Medicine. April 2010;123(4):suppl 1.

Review Date: 5/10/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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