Colds and flus - antibiotics
Key points
- Antibiotics will fight bacterial infections, but do not treat viral infections like colds and the flu.
- So unless you have a bacterial infection, do NOT take antibiotics.
- Antibiotics can wipe out normal bacteria that live in your body.
- This can result in symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vaginal yeast infections.
Alternative names
Flus and colds - antibiotics; Antibiotics - colds and flu
Information
Colds and flus are NOT cured by antibiotics.
Antibiotics will fight bacterial infections, but do not treat viral infections like colds and the flu. So unless you have a bacterial infection, do NOT take antibiotics. Antibiotics can wipe out normal bacteria that live in your body. This can result in symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vaginal yeast infections. Further, the overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rise in drug-resistant bacterial infections.
If you are suffering from a viral infection, antibiotics will NOT make you better. They will likely make you feel worse.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.