Do antibiotics fight viruses or bacteria?

Antibiotics

Antibiotics fight bacterial infections, not viruses. November 15-21 is Get Smart about Antibiotics Week. Learn more about antibiotics, including the rise in antibiotic resistance.

According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. Used properly, antibiotics can save lives. They either kill bacteria or keep them from reproducing, allowing your body's natural defenses to take over and eliminate the infection.

Antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses. If a virus is making you sick, taking antibiotics may do more harm than good. Each time you take antibiotics, you increase the chances that bacteria in your body will be able to resist them. Later, you could get or spread an infection that those antibiotics cannot cure. There are a few antiviral medicines available. Vaccines can help prevent you from getting many viral diseases.

When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. It is important to finish your medicine even if you feel better. Do not save antibiotics for later or use someone else's prescription.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsor the Get Smart Campaign, which aims to reduce the rate of rise of antibiotic resistance. For more information, please visit CDC's "Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work" web page.

November 15-21, 2010, is Get Smart about Antibiotics Week.

Additional Resources:

• Find the Generic Equivalent to a Brand Name Prescription Drug
• Drug Labeling
• Drug-Resistant Staph Infections (MRSA)
• Assistance with Prescription Drug Costs
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
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• By usa.gov team