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The immune system can have difficulty dealing with more than one type of germ at a time, so when it is busy fighting the flu, other microbes like bacteria can get a foothold. The problems a patient with the flu can have clearing phlegm from their lungs also allows opportunity for microbes (germs) to grow in the moist lung bases. Secondary pneumonia, either viral or bacterial, is the most common secondary infection in the flu.
What else can I help you with?
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.
Why are antibiotics given to swine when they are suffering with swine flu?
To prevent secondary bacterial or viral infections, such as pneumonia.
Does an ear infection have to do with the Swine Flu?
Not really, other than when you have the flu you may be more susceptible to bacterial infections (usually ear infections are caused by bacteria, not viruses like the swine flu). Any time there is any kind of infection of the respiratory system, the ears can get an accumulation of fluids that encourages a secondary ear infection.
What antibiotic is used to treat the flu?
You would not be given any antibiotic for use to treat a cold or flu. They are both viral infections, not bacterial infections. Antibiotics are only for bacterial infections. If you have a secondary bacterial infection with a viral infection, you might be prescribed an antibiotic to treat that secondary infection, but not for the virus itself.
What precautions are taken after liver transplantation?
The first three months after transplant are the most risky for getting such infections as the flu, so patients should follow these precautions
Is the flu caused by a bacterial or viral infection?
Influenza is caused by a virus. its straight up a virus...
Does Swine Flu cause pneumonia?
Yes it can. Complications from swine flu can cause respiratory infections including pneumonia. Swine flu itself can evolve into viral pneumonia, or it can be what is called an "opportunistic" bacterial infection (secondary infection) that a weakened immune system or one that is busy fighting the virus can allow.
Are viruses fatal to children and the elderly?
They can be, depending on the type of virus and resulting symptoms, as well as depending on whether there are other complications or secondary infections caused by other organisms. Often children and the elderly have poorly functioning immune systems which leaves them more vulnerable for contracting and having complications from viral infections. Each year tens of thousands of patients age 65 and over die from the flu in the US.
Does flu start with TB?
No, there is no connection between the two infections. TB is caused by a bacterium called mycobacteria. The flu is caused by an influenza virus. Flu starts in healthy people when infected with the virus as well as those with underlying medical conditions, or other infections. People with bacterial infections and underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for catching viral infections like the flu, but that is not typically how the flu is started.
Does azithromycin help with a severe cold or flu?
No. Antibiotics do not help viral infections such as the cold or flu. Antibiotics are specifically for helping with treatment of bacterial infections or for preventing bacterial infections and do nothing to an inanimate virus.
Is amoxicillin good for flu?
No, swine flu is a virus and amoxicillin is an antibiotic which means it only fights bacteria. The effects of Swine flu can lead to infections that may or may not require the use of an antibiotic like amoxilin. However the amoxilin does not fight the Swine flu virus it fights the infection that is caused by the original presence of the virus. Your immune system takes care of the virus.
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.
