“Against colds and flu, there’s nothing antibiotics can do”
Antibiotics are important medicines that help fight serious infections caused by bacteria, such as, meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis. But they don’t cure infections caused by viruses (viral infections), like the flu and the common cold.
Antibiotics are becoming less effective at fighting infections. Some bacteria are now resistant to several antibiotics. The more antibiotics you take the less effective they become when you or somebody else is confronted with a serious infection.
A lot of infections are bothersome but will not need antibiotics as they are viral and they will over time get better. The Public health Agency is a good resource to read more about this.
f you are prescribed an antibiotic, be sure to finish the whole course even if your symptoms have gone.
| Common Illnesses | Most People are better by |
| Earache | 8 days |
| Sore Throat | 7-8 days |
| Sinusitis | 14-21 days |
| Cold | 14 days |
| Cough or Bronchitis | 21 days |
