2 ·
My Health
Did you know that colds, the fu,
most sore throats and bronchitis
(a sickness where the air passage to
the lungs swells, causing coughing
and thick mucus) are caused
by viruses?
Did you also know that antibiotics
do not help fght viruses? It’s
true. Plus, taking antibiotics when
you have a virus may do more
harm than good. Taking antibiotics
when they aren’t needed adds to
your risk of getting a bacterial
infection later that can’t be cured
by antibiotics.
Antibiotics do not cure viral
infections such as:
•
Colds or fu.
•
Most coughs and bronchitis.
•
Sore throats not caused by strep.
•
Runny noses.
Taking antibiotics for viral infections
will not:
•
Cure the infections.
•
Keep others from catching
the sickness.
•
Help you feel better.
Antibiotic resistance
When antibiotics do and don’t help
2 ·
My Health
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The right way to take antibiotics
When you use antibiotics the right
way, you do the best for your health,
your family’s health and the health of
those around you.
When you are prescribed antibiotics,
take them exactly as the doctor
tells you. Finish all of the medicine
even if you feel better. If you stop
taking them too soon, some of the
germs may survive and you may
get sick all over again. Kids, too,
should follow these rules when
prescribed antibiotics.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention Get Smart campaign website:
CDC.gov/getsmart/index.html