Question

If you are sick because of a virus, should you take antibiotics?


A. Yes! Antibiotics kill all the bad things and none of the good things.


B. Sure! You might as well try an antibiotic and if it doesn't kill the virus, it won't cause any other issues.


C. No! Antibiotics do not affect viruses.

Answer 1

C. No — antibiotics do not affect viruses.

Why: antibiotics target structures or processes found in bacteria (cell walls, bacterial ribosomes, etc.). Viruses replicate inside your own cells and don’t have those targets, so antibiotics won’t stop them.

Why you shouldn’t take antibiotics for a viral illness:
- They won’t help your viral infection feel better or shorten its course.
- They can cause side effects (nausea, allergic reactions).
- Unnecessary use promotes antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- They can disrupt your normal gut flora and lead to infections like C. difficile.

When antibiotics are appropriate:
- If you have a confirmed bacterial infection (e.g., strep throat, certain ear infections, bacterial pneumonia) or a bacterial complication of a viral illness, a clinician will prescribe them.
- Sometimes doctors may prescribe antibiotics if they suspect a bacterial superinfection or cannot rule it out.

What to do if you’re sick:
- Don’t take antibiotics unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- For viral illnesses use supportive care: rest, fluids, fever/pain relievers (acetaminophen/ibuprofen as appropriate), saline nasal rinses, etc.
- See a clinician if you have severe symptoms, worsening symptoms, high or prolonged fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or if you’re immunocompromised — they can determine if antibiotics or antivirals are needed.

Note: There are antiviral medications for some viruses (flu, COVID-19, herpes viruses), but those are different drugs and must be prescribed when appropriate.