Topics
  A-Z		 Data &
 Statistics		 Forms &
Publications		 News &
Advisories		 Licensing &
Certification		 Rules &
Regulations		 Public Health
Directory
Print this Article   Bookmark and Share
Safe Antibiotic Use
Two main kinds of “bugs” can cause illness: bacteria and viruses. Antibiotics kill bacteria. Illnesses caused by bacteria, like strep throat, can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics have no effect against illnesses caused by viruses, like colds and the flu.

Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed helps resistant bacteria grow. When bacteria become resistant the antibiotics that once combated them are no longer effective.

These resistant bacteria can stay in your body or spread to other people. Resistant bacteria can cause severe illnesses that are difficult and expensive to treat. Highly resistant bacteria (“superbugs”) sometimes cause infections that can’t be cured.

Using antibiotics wisely will help slow the spread of resistant bacteria. This will help keep our life-saving antibiotics effective for years to come.

Protect yourself against
resistant bacteria!

 check mark Never take antibiotics to treat viral illnesses like colds or the flu. Antibiotics have no effect against viruses.
check mark When you are prescribed an antibiotic, take every dose, even if your symptoms go away. Taking part of the prescription only treats part of the infection.
check mark Never share antibiotics. These strong medications can cause dangerous side effects. They should only be used under a doctor’s care.
  check mark Wash your hands well and often. This is the best way to keep from getting sick.
  check mark Ask your doctor about pneumococcal (pneumonia) and influenza (flu) vaccinations.
  check mark

If you or your child is suffering from a virus such as cold or flu consult our Upper Respiratory Treatment Guides for symptom relief.  





Antibiotics
won’t help
your body
fight a cold
or the flu.

 

Following are typical illnesses with common causes.

Illness
Virus
Bacteria
Antibiotics needed?
Colds and flu
blue mark
No
  Runny nose
blue mark
No
  Cough
blue mark
No
  Bronchitis
blue mark
No
  Sinus infection
blue mark
blue mark
Maybe
  Ear infection
blue mark
blue mark
Maybe
  Pneumonia
blue mark
blue mark
Usually
  Strep throat
blue mark
Yes




faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Ear infections, runny noses & colds

  • Questions and Answers: Ear infections English / Spanish (pdf)
    Next to a cold, an ear infection is the most common childhood disease. The good news is that ear infections don't always need antibiotics.

  • Questions and Answers: Runny noses  English / Spanish (pdf)
    A runny nose is a normal part of recovery from the common cold, and antibiotics won't usually help it clear up any faster.

  • Questions and Answers: Colds  English / Spanish (pdf)
    Are antibiotics ever needed for a cold? You might be surprised at the answer.

 

 




Ounce of Prevention

There are easy and practical ways to prevent getting infectious diseases that include hand washing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

See these easy-to-follow, useful tips;

 
Ounce of Prevention Brochure

Ounce of Prevention
  • English Brochure (pdf)
  • Spanish Brochure (pdf)

    Developed by the Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with Reckitt Benckiser, Inc.

 

Other Internet Resources

 

Return to Top