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They do not help unless they are given to treat or prevent a secondary bacterial infection, such as secondary bacterial pneumonia in the case of the flu, skin infections from scratching measles lesions, or other related secondary bacterial infections.
Antibiotics are only effective for treating or preventing bacterial infections. There is no equivalent drug for use in viral infections. Other than careful hand washing and other preventive precautions, prevention with vaccinations is the way to avoid viral infections for many of these conditions, but not all, such as the common cold which does not yet have a vaccine for prevention.*
*The viruses of the common cold mutate very quickly and easily and, before a vaccine can be developed and produced, the virus has already changed making the vaccine no longer useful before it is even put to use.
Antibiotics are designed to specifically target certain types of pathogenic (disease causing) microorganisms, generally a type or types of bacteria. Their mode of action involves targeting some essential growth component/process in the pathogen, either ceasing their growth or killing them off. Because this action is so specific, antibiotics have no known effect on viral infections, because viruses are inherently different to bacteria in the way they cause disease, the way the grow, the way they survive etc.
So, in terms of the infection - nothing happens, apart from taking unnecessary pills!
However, taking unnecessary antibiotics is a known way in which commensal bacteria (those that live on your body all the time without causing harm) can acquire resistance. An example of resistance caused by such misuse of antibiotics on a global scale is with MRSA (methicillin resistant S . aureus). This results in a new, more dangerous, more difficult to treat (since the bacteria can know survive in the presence of the antibiotic) strain of the bug. And since we only have a limited number of antibiotics on the market, this is of great concern to health professionals.
So in conclusion - don't take them. Not only will it have absolutely no benefit, it may actually cause harm by generating resistant bugs.
No antibiotic has ever helped to cure the cold. Cold or common cold is caused by virus infection. Antibiotics should not be used to treat the cold. That should be taken as crime against humanity to use antibiotics to treat the cold.
The virus weakens the system which leads to bacterial infection and their disagreeable symptoms, The antibiotics kill the bacteria alowing the body to heal the damage done by the infection.
No, antibiotics have no effect on virus. Some viral infection might be helped by antiviral drugs (i.e. Valtrex for herpes infection (virus))
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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.
Should you EVER take someone else's antibiotics as prevention against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae or CRE infection?
Absolutely NOT. The reason super bugs like MSRA and the new carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae or CRE infection is so terrible is because people OVER-USE antibiotics! Never take anyone else's medicines. Always finish the antibiotic given to you for an infection. Never take antibiotics for a cold, flu or other viral infection. Never take antibiotics as "prevention"-- UNLESS a doctor instructs you to do so.
Can you take flucloxacillin for bronchitis?
Most bronchitis is viral and can't be cured by antibiotics. When antibiotics are tried, penicillin is not on the list.
If a patient has measles why would antibiotics not work?
Antibiotics can only work against bacterium, whereas measles are caused by a virus.
What causes a red uvula and tonsils?
If your uvula and tonsils are red and/or inflamed, it normally indicated infection. The best thing to do is to visit the doctor and he will most likely give you antibiotics. If it is a viral infection, the best thing to do is to stay hydrated, and take Tylenol or Advil for the pain.
What happens to viruses when you take antibiotics?
Viruses are Not killed with antibiotics need antivirus antibiotics
Can you take penicillin vk for a sinus infection?
it depends on the type of infection. if it is bacterial then maybe if it is viral then no not at all
Can you take antibiotics for a chest infection while pregnant?
yes amoixicilline
Is it okay for a ten year old to take antibiotics?
Yes, when I was 9 years old, I had an infection in my throat, and I had to take antibiotics, ( recommended by the docter ), and it was okay.
Why disease cause by virus cannot be treated with antibiotics?
antibiotics have a purpose to kill only bacteria.Only for few viral diseases drugs have been found.Virus cannot be killed by antibiotics but when there is a viral attack our immune system is severely comprimised hence we take antibiotics to prevent any bacterial diseases these include hiv aids and flu
What happens taking out a infected industrial piercing will it heal?
Don't take it out!!!! That will trap the infection making it harder to get rid of and possibly form an abscess. Keep the jewelery in and go to the doctors to get antibiotics.
Can you take keflex for bronchitis?
Acute bronchitis is usually viral, and does not get better faster with antibiotics.
