MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Colds and flus

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Colds and flus - antibiotics

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Alternative names	Information

Alternative names

Flus and colds - antibiotics; Antibiotics - colds and flu

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Colds and flus are NOT cured by antibiotics.

Antibiotics will fight bacterial infections, but do not treat viral infections like colds and the flu. So unless you have a bacterial infection, do NOT take antibiotics. Antibiotics can wipe out normal bacteria that live in your body. This can result in symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and vaginal yeast infections. Further, the overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rise in drug-resistant bacterial infections.

If you are suffering from a viral infection, antibiotics will NOT make you better. They will likely make you feel worse.

Update Date: 11/25/2003

Updated by: A.D.A.M. editorial. Previously reviewed by Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/25/2003).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.