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Simply because antibiotics only kill bacteria, and not viruses. There are no medications to kill viruses, your body has to fight the virus off on its own.
There are some antiviral medications, but they do not kill the virus, they only prevent its growth, and only for very specific strains of very specific viruses.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoBacteria are living and can be killed through the use of antibiotics. A virus is not living in the first place.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoYou only treat bacterial infections with antibiotics because antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
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Differences between bacteria and virus?
Bacteria is live and a virus is not. This also means that only a bacteria infection or illness can be killed with antibiotics.
What is measles bacteria or virus?
Measles is an infection of the respiratory tract that can be caused by both a bacteria and a virus. Most people think of the virus strain typically, as there is a vaccine for it, and people rarely need to be treated with antibiotics for the bacteria strain.
If someone with the Swine Flu is taking antibiotics are they still contagious?
Yes, because antibiotics are not effective on viruses. The Swine Flu (A-H1N1/09 virus) is unaffected by antibiotics and would still be transmissable. Antibiotics are usually only given to someone with a virus if they have already gotten or are considered to be at risk of getting a secondary bacterial infection along with the viral infection. Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria and treat bacterial infections.
Why don't you treat a virus with antibiotics?
antibiotics are only affective against bacteria, and a virus is different then bacteria
What function do Antibiotics perform?
antibiotics inhibit the growth of germs as Bacteria ;virus; parasite to help the human body immune system to overcome the infection.
Do Antibiotics only work on bacteria or virus?
Antibiotics only work on bacteria.
Are antibiotics used to combat viral disease?
No, antibiotics are made for bacteria. A virus is something else all together. However, it is not uncommon for someone to be sick with a viral infection, such as the flu, and then get sick with a bacterial infection immediately after due to their immune system being stressed. In those cases, antibiotics may be given.
How do antibiotics make you feel better?
Antibiotics work by killing off the bacteria causing your infection. They only work on bacteria so they don't make you feel better if you have a virus like a cold or flu.
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.
Why could not take an antibiotic for a viral infection?
Antibiotics only work against BACTERIAL infections. A VIRAL infection is not a BACTERIAL infection. A bacteria is a small complex living cell - antibiotics kill bacteria A virus is a simple strand of DNA in a protein coat - antibiotics have no effect on viruses.
Can AIDS be cured with antibiotics.?
No it can not.
Is leprosy a virus or bacteria?
it is a bacterial infection which is a bacteria
