Antibiotics are powerful medicines that treat infections caused by bacteria. Examples of bacterial infections include urinary tract infections, strep throat, and some types of pneumonia.
Infections like the common cold, COVID-19, flu, and most cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses, which don’t respond to antibiotics.
So, while you might be tempted to ask your health care provider to prescribe an antibiotic to treat lingering cold or flu symptoms, the antibiotic won’t treat the virus. What’s more, using antibiotics when you don’t need them can do more harm than good.
During Antibiotic Awareness Week this November, we want to emphasize the importance of taking antibiotics correctly to maintain your health and well-being.
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