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This is because when you have a viral infection such as a cold then the bacteria has entered your cells; the substance produced by antibiotics cannot reach inside your cells therefore your body will just have to ignore the illness and let it pass within a few days! (hope this helped!)
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoAntibiotics work mainly by breaking down the cell membrane of a bacterium. Viruses don't have cell membranes.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoAntibiotics treat by weakening or disrupting the membrane of a bacterial cell, or its ability for DNA synthesis. A virus isn't technically a living thing and doesn't respond to antibiotics.
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Why antibiotics are not effective against cold and flu?
The common cold, like influenza, is a viral infection. Although innoculations can help prevent the flu, antibiotics (which kill bacteria) are only effective in treating bacterial infections (such as pneumonia) that may result.
What are not effective treatments for viral infections?
Antibiotics
Why are anti biotics are unhelpful for treating a common cold?
Because antibiotics treat bacterial infections not viral. There are some viral colds like the flu in which antibiotics will work.
Can you use bactroban for cold sores?
Bactroban is not effective for viral cold sores.
Why regular antibodies not be used as effective treatment of viral diseases but effective against bacterial infection?
Viral diseases are caused by viruses which live in our cells as a host. So, killing them by antibiotics means killing our own cells. This is why antibiotics are not effective against viral diseases.
Antibiotics are effective against both bacterial and viral infections?
false
Does it help on bronchitist?
Bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and antibiotics are not effective in treating it. However, if bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed by a healthcare provider. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for the appropriate treatment.
What Are effective at treating strep throat but not at treating colds?
Antibiotics - because a cold is a virus caused disease and antibiotics have no effect on a virus. However strep throat is caused by a bacterium and antibiotics do kill bacteria.
Are antibiotics effective to shorten the duration of a cold or flu?
No, antibiotics are not the right medication for a cold. Antibiotics are for treating bacterial infections. The common cold is caused by a virus, not bacteria, and will not be affected by antibiotics. There may be a situation where a doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a secondary bacterial infection after a cold or flu, but the cold itself can not be treated with antibiotics...it is a waste of money to use them for a cold and is also an unnecessary risk of adverse reactions or allergies to the antibiotics.
Why are antibiotics ineffective in treating viral infections?
Antibiotics are ineffective (while not always) in treating viral (virus) infections because of how the medications take effect. Antibiotics work by changing the body's PH to kill off bacteria. Virus's have to have a host to live and therefore can adapt to the changed in the body. So successfully kill viruses, one has to destroy the DNA within it.
Why might a doctor not give you any medication if you have a viral disease?
In many cases, a doctor shouldn't give you medication for a viral disease because the medications are not effective in treating viral diseases. Giving out antibiotics or other medications that are not effective against the disease you have contributes to antibiotic resistence and failure of treatment.
Can ciproflaxin treat polycystic ovary?
No, antibiotics are not used and not effective for treating polycystic ovarian syndrome.
