At a glance
- Antibiotics work against certain bacteria, not colds or flu caused by viruses.
- Only take an antibiotic prescribed for you; never share or save it for another time.
- Follow your own prescription and leaflet, including its timing and duration.
- Ask a pharmacist or prescriber if you have side effects or are unsure what to do.
When are antibiotics useful?
A clinician may use antibiotics for a bacterial infection when the likely benefit outweighs the risks. Some bacterial infections also get better without antibiotics. Whether treatment is appropriate depends on the infection, its severity and the person being treated. A website cannot make that decision for you.
Antibiotics do not kill viruses, so they do not treat viral colds or flu. If you are not prescribed one, you can still ask your healthcare professional what symptoms to watch for and when to seek further help.
Use the medicine you were prescribed
Read the pharmacy label and the patient information leaflet. Some medicines have special instructions about meals, other medicines or storage. Take the medicine for the duration and at the times specified in your individual plan; do not use a generic “one rule fits all” course length.
If you miss a dose, feel worse, or experience an unexpected effect, consult your leaflet or pharmacist before changing the way you take it.
The habits that matter
Do not take somebody else’s prescription, keep leftovers for later, or use an out-of-date medicine. These choices can delay the right care and expose you to avoidable side effects.
Responsible use also helps slow antibiotic resistance: bacteria, not people, become resistant to particular medicines. This can make future infections harder to treat.
Sources
Original references- NHS · Antibiotics overview
- NHS · Uses of antibiotics
- CDC · Antibiotic do’s and don’ts
- WHO · Antimicrobial resistance
These sources informed this overview. Their organisations do not endorse or review this website.
This page is for general education only. It does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional. Read our medical disclaimer.