What are antibiotics for?
In this article, we will describe what are antibiotics for.
1. What are antibiotics for? They ONLY treat certain infections caused by bacteria
Such as:
- Strep A throat
- Whooping cough
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Life-threatening conditions caused by bacteria, such pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis (the body’s extreme response to infection).
2. What are antibiotics NOT for? I.e DON’T treat? They DO NOT work on viruses
Such as those that cause:
- Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green
- Most sore throats (except Strep A throat)
- Flu
- COVID-19
- Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis) and diverticular disease
- Many sinus infections
- Some ear infections.
This is because these illnesses will usually get better on their own, without antibiotics.
3. What are viruses and bacteria? Both are germs but viruses are different from bacteria
Viruses cause infections, such as colds, flu. and COVID-19. However, antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses.
4. How long should antibiotics be taken for? 3, 5 or 7 days (usually)
But it can be two weeks; and sometimes many weeks for long-term infections.
Antibiotics should be taken for as long as the doctor has prescribed them. In fact, take them exactly as your doctor tells you, and they have been prescribed.
Summary
We have described what are antibiotics for. We hope you have found it helpful.
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