Influence of microorganisms

What is virus and bacteria?

Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Viral illnesses cannot be treated with antibiotics. When an antibiotic is not prescribed, ask your healthcare professional for tips on how to relieve symptoms and feel better.

Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Answer

Common Condition: What’s got you sick? Common Cause Are antibiotics needed? Bacteria Bacteria
or Virus Virus Strep Throat Yes No No Yes Whooping Cough Yes No No Yes Urinary Tract Infection Yes No No Yes Sinus Infection No Yes No Maybe Middle ear infection No Yes No Maybe Bronchitis/Chest Cold (in otherwise healthy children and adults)* No Yes No No Common cold/runny nose No No Yes No Sore Throat (except strep) No No Yes No Flu No No Yes No

* In some cases, acute bronchitis is caused by bacteria, but even in these cases antibiotics still do not help.