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No, they don't. They are designed for and work best with bacterial infections.

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13y ago

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How do disease caused by bacteria and diseases caused by viruses by react to antibiotics?

Viruses ALL ignore antibiotics, Bacterial infections vary in their response depending on the sensitivity of the bacteria to the specific antibiotic.


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.


How do diseases caused by bacteria and diseases caused by viruses react to antibiotics?

Disease caused by viruses cannot be cured by antibiotics. Antibiotics ONLY work on bacteria.


Can Antibiotics treat a virus?

No. Antibiotics only treat bacteria - and each antibiotic has a different group of bacteria it can treat. Antivirals such as acyclovir, foscarnet, and ganciclovir treat some viruses, and others have no treatment other than supportive therapy: fluids, fever control, etc.


Why should penicillin never be used to treat viral diseases?

Some infections are caused by germs called bacteria. These bacterial infections respond to antibiotics-if the right one is used. Virus are germs that do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics work in many different ways to destroy bacteria. But viruses are usually to small and work inside cells therefore antiotics don't work.


Is the use of antibiotics an effective treatment for viral infections?

No, antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, not viruses. Treating a viral infection typically involves antiviral medications, rest, and supportive care.


If a patient has measles why would antibiotics not work?

Antibiotics can only work against bacterium, whereas measles are caused by a virus.


Why are antibiotics not given unless a serious infection?

Bacteria can become immune to antibiotics and the antibiotics will not work in the future when you need them. They only work against bacteria and cold and flu are caused by viruses.


Why taking an antibiotic is not effective in the common cold?

viruses are not killed by antibiotics. -apex


Why are antibiotics not helpful for treating a common cold?

Not at all. Colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics will only help with bacterial infections. People often think or viruses and bacteria to be one in the same, but they couldn't be more different. While bacteria are actually alive, single-celled organisms, viruses are not technically alive. And you can't exactly kill something that isn't alive, now, can you? There are antivirals that keep the virus from destroying your cells, but not many of them work well enough to be of any benefit. Your body knows how to fight off a virus better than any medicine.


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.


What conditions do not respond to cephalosporins?

These drugs will not work for colds, flu, and other infections caused by viruses.