CDC - Get Smart: What Everyone Should Know and Do With Antibiotics

CDC - Get Smart: What Everyone Should Know and Do With Antibiotics

December 7, 2012 Antibiotics do not help fight viral infections, such as colds or flu, even though 36% of Americans believe otherwise. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics increases the development of drug-resistant germs.  CDC offers a variety of education campaigns to promote proper use of antibiotics.

Please share this e-mail with others interested in improving public health practice through evidence-based strategies. Past "Did You Know?" information is available online.

What Everyone Should Know and Do
Snort. Sniffle. Sneeze. No Antibiotics Please!

On This Page

• If You Have a Cold or Flu, Antibiotics Won't Work For You!
• What Can You Do To Protect Yourself Or Your Child?

Are you aware that colds, flu, most sore throats, and bronchitis are caused by viruses? Did you know that antibiotics do not help fight viruses? It's true. Plus, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed increases your risk of getting an infection later that resists antibiotic treatment.

If You Have a Cold or Flu, Antibiotics Won't Work For You!

Get Smart…Read The Chart! PDF (46 KB, 1 page) to know which common illnesses are usually viral or bacterial and when antibiotics are necessary.

• Antibiotics cure bacterial infections, not viral infections such as:
  • Colds or flu;
  • Most coughs and bronchitis;
  • Sore throats not caused by strep; or
  • Runny noses.
• Taking antibiotics for viral infections, such as a cold, cough, the flu, or most bronchitis, will not:
  • Cure the infections;
  • Keep other individuals from catching the illness; or
  • Help you feel better.

What Can You Do To Protect Yourself Or Your Child?

When you use antibiotics appropriately, you do the best for your health, your family's health, and the health of those around you. "We want Americans to keep their families and communities healthy by getting smart about the proper use of antibiotics," said Lauri Hicks, D.O., medical director of CDC's Get Smart campaign.

What To Do

• Talk with your healthcare provider about antibiotic resistance.
• When you are prescribed an antibiotic,
  • Take it exactly as the doctor tells you. Complete the prescribed course even if you are feeling better. If treatment stops too soon, some bacteria may survive and re-infect you. This goes for children, too. Make sure your children take all medication as prescribed, even if they feel better.
    Throw away any leftover medication once you have completed your prescription
    

What Not To Do

• Antibiotics cure bacteria, not viruses such as:
  • Colds or flu;
  • Most coughs and bronchitis;
  • Sore throats not caused by strep; or
  • Runny noses.