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∙ 6y agoAntibiotics kill germs called bacteria. The flu is not caused by bacteria, but by a virus. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses.
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Is Swine Flu caused by bacteria or a virus?
It's a virus like other flu types.... Hence why we don't use antibiotics (anti bacterial) drugs to treat the flu. In more severe cases of flu, swine flu, bird flu doctors may prescribe anti viral drugs to combat the infection.
Why does doctors still prescribe antibiotics for a flu infection?
You cannot. Antibiotics are only for treating or preventing bacterial infections. Since the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics have no effect and have been shown time and again to make no difference on the duration or severity of a viral infection (Influenza is a virus). There are antiviral medications but usually the best therapy is time.
Would you take antibiotics for the flu?
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Are over the counter flu medications effective?
I have heard of a medicine doctors can prescribe called TamiFlu. I am not crazy about going to the doctor either. There is something called TheraFlu which will help you feel better.
