Antibiotics are strong medicines that can stop some infections and save lives. But antibiotics can cause more harm than good when they aren't used the right way. You can protect yourself and your family by knowing when you should use antibiotics and when you shouldn't.

No. Antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria. They don't work against any infections caused by viruses. Viruses cause colds, the flu, and most coughs and sore throats.

Usually antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them from growing. However, some bacteria have become resistant to specific antibiotics. This means that the antibiotics don’t work against them. Bacteria become resistant more quickly when antibiotics are used too often or are not used correctly.

Resistant bacteria sometimes can be treated with different antibiotics to which the bacteria have not yet become resistant. These medicines may have to be given intravenously (through a vein) in a hospital. A few kinds of resistant bacteria are untreatable.

Don't expect antibiotics to cure every illness. Don't take antibiotics for viral illnesses like colds or the flu. Often, the best thing you can do is let colds and the flu run their course. Sometimes this can take 2 weeks or more. If your illness gets worse after 2 weeks, talk to the triage nurse who can also give you advice on what you can do to ease your symptoms while your body fights off the virus.

The answer depends on what is causing your infection. The following are some basic guidelines:

	Colds and flu. Viruses cause these illnesses. They can't be cured with antibiotics.
	Cough or bronchitis. Viruses almost always cause these. However, if you have a problem with your lungs or an illness that lasts a long time, bacteria may actually be the cause.
	Sore throat. Most sore throats are caused by viruses and don't need antibiotics.
	Ear infections. There are several types of ear infections. Antibiotics are used for some, but not all, ear infections.
	Sinus infections. Antibiotics are often used to treat sinus infections. However, a runny nose and yellow or green mucus do not necessarily mean you need an antibiotic. Antibiotics have very little benefit in the treatment of sinusitis.
	Conjunctivitis. It comes as a surprise to most people that conjunctivitis is usually viral and antibiotic eye drops do not usually help; these are, however, available over the counter.

Read the leaflet "Why no antibiotics" by Patient UK

Read the department of health Guide on antibiotics and resistance

	Paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce a high temperature (fever), and to ease aches, pains, and headaches.
	Make sure you drink enough to prevent mild dehydration. Dehydration may develop if you have a high temperature, and it can make a headache and tiredness much worse.
	Do not wrap up, but try to cool down if you have a high temperature. This is particularly important in children. If a child has a high temperature, then take their clothes off (in a warm, but not hot, room) and give paracetamol or ibuprofen.
	Other advice may be given for specific symptoms. For example, decongestants for a blocked nose, etc. Ask a pharmacist for advice.

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