Antibiotics are lifesaving medications, but they’re not a cure-all.
Understanding when they help—and when they don’t—can protect your health and prevent dangerous antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections but are useless against viruses. Your doctor will determine whether antibiotics are necessary. You might need them for:
✅ Bacterial infections, such as:
• Strep throat
• Whooping cough
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
❌ Viral infections, like:
• Common cold
• Influenza (flu)
• COVID-19
If your illness is viral, taking antibiotics won’t help—and may even harm you by increasing antibiotic resistance.
If prescribed antibiotics, follow these guidelines to ensure they work effectively:
✔️ Take them exactly as directed.
✔️ Complete the full course—even if you feel better.
✔️ Never skip doses or save leftovers for later.
✔️ Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
✔️ Inform your doctor about any other medications to prevent harmful interactions.
✔️ Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects.
The Dangers of Antibiotic Overuse
Overusing antibiotics can lead to antimicrobial resistance—a serious global health threat. When bacteria become resistant, infections become harder to treat, leading to:
🚨 Longer and more severe illnesses
🚨 More hospital visits
🚨 Higher medical costs
🚨 Increased risk of death from untreatable infections
By using antibiotics only when needed, you help ensure they remain effective for yourself and future generations. Talk to your doctor before taking antibiotics—because the right treatment matters.
💬 Have you or someone you know ever been prescribed antibiotics unnecessarily? Share your experience in the comments!