0
No, not to treat the flu itself because antibiotics don't affect viruses, they are used only for bacterial infections.
Sometimes people with the flu develop secondary bacterial infections and then antibiotics may be given to treat or prevent this complication. See the related question below for how influenza is treated.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoNo, other than topical antibiotics for cuts and scrapes, a doctor must prescribe antibiotics. You would not take antibiotics for the flu or flu-like symptoms anyway, though, since antibiotics are for treating bacterial infections and the flu is a viral infection. There are over the counter cold and flu medicines that can make your symptoms less severe, ask your pharmacist for suggestions for over the counter medicines that might make your specific symptoms more bearable.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Would antibiotics help when having the swine flu?
Not in the slightest.
Why would antibiotics not help if you had a flu?
Influenza is a viral disease and antibiotics do not affect viruses, only bacteria.
Why do antibiotics have an effect on Swine Flu?
They do not have an effect on swine flu, but can be helpful if a secondary bacterial infection occurs with the flu or after the flu. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. The flu is caused by viruses. Antibiotics are for treating infections by bacteria, not for treating infections by viruses.
Are there antibiotics for bird flu?
There are no antibiotics for the bird flu. Influenza (all types) is caused by a virus, and hence can't be treated with antibiotics (antibiotics only work with bacteria).
Why don't doctors prescribe antibiotics if you have the flu?
antibiotics can be powerful.
When and who created the antibiotics for the flu fevercold chickenpox and the mumps?
Flu, cold, chickenpox, and mumps are viral and aren't treated with antibiotics.
What is adverse effect of using antibiotics in treating flu?
Antibiotics will not help when you have flu because antibiotics only kill bacteria and influenza is caused by a virus, you would only end up with the side effec ts from taking medication you don't need when you are already unwell.
Can you kill the Swine Flu with antibiotics?
No, antibiotics are for bacteria and swine flu is a virus. See the related question below for more information.
Why do antibodies not work on flu?
Assuming the question is a typo for "Why do antibiotics not work on a flu?", the reason is quite simple. Influenza (Flu) is caused by a virus, not a bacteria or parasite. When you have an infection, and your doctor prescribes you antibiotics, they are working on a bacterial or parasitic infection, not a viral infection. Put quite simply, antibiotics are not effective whatsoever against viruses.
Will antibiotics help you recover from the flu quicker?
The flu is caused by a virus (viruses). Antibiotics ONLY treat bacterial infections. Therefore, an antibiotic will do absolutely nothing for a person with the flu.
If somebody has swine flu should the drink antibiotics such as Tylenol or Motrin?
1) Tylenol and Motrin are not antibiotics. They are painkillers, and each has products available for relief of cold and flu symptoms.2) Antibiotics cannot cure the flu, which is a virus. Antibiotics only kill bacteria-based illnesses.
Which antibiotics can be taken with Tamiflu?
You shouldnt take antibiotics for a flu infection. Antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria, fungi and some parasites. They don't work against any infections caused by viruses. Viruses cause colds, the flu and most coughs and sore throats.
