Antibiotics Aren’t 

Always the Answer

Most cough and cold illnesses are caused 

by viruses. ANTIBIOTIC use can only cure 

bacterial illnesses–not viral illnesses.

Viruses cause common illnesses that 

antibiotics CANNOT treat like:

• Colds

• Influenza (the flu)

• Runny noses

• Most coughs

• Most bronchitis

• Most sore throats 

• Most sinus infections

• Some ear infections

Viral illnesses, like colds, usually go away 

without treatment in a week or two. Even 

many bacterial ear infections go away 

by themselves. When an antibiotic is not 

prescribed, ask your child’s doctor or 

pharmacist what can be used to relieve 

symptoms.

Taking antibiotics for viral illnesses:

• Will NOT cure your child’s illness

• Will NOT help your child feel better

• Will NOT keep others from catching 

your child’s illness

Bacteria cause illnesses like strep throat 

that are often treated successfully with 

antibiotics.

Remember–there are potential risks when 

taking any prescription drug. Antibiotics 

should only be used when your child’s doctor 

determines they are needed. 

Antibiotic use can:

• Kill good bacteria in your child’s body, 

which may lead to complications, such as 

diarrhea or yeast infection.

• Cause a serious allergic reaction that may 

require hospitalization.

• Result in an antibiotic-resistant infection. 

Resistant bacteria are stronger and harder 

to kill. They can stay in your child’s body 

and can cause severe illnesses that cannot 

be cured with antibiotics. A cure for a 

resistant infection may require stronger 

treatment–and possibly a hospital stay.

Talk with your child’s doctor 

about the best way to care 

for your child during this 

illness.

Get Smart symptom relief 

tips & tools for your child at: 

www.cdc.gov/getsmart or call 

1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)

CS232630-B
SIX SIMPLE AND SMART FACTS

ABOUT ANTIBIOTIC USE

1. Antibiotics 

are life-saving 

drugs

Using antibiotics wisely is 

the best way to preserve 

their strength for future 

bacterial illnesses.

2. Antibiotics 

only treat 

bacterial 

infections

If your child has a viral 

infection like a cold, talk 

to a doctor or pharmacist 

about symptom relief. 

This may include overthe-counter medicine, 

a humidifier, or warm 

liquids.

3. Some ear 

infections DO 

NOT require 

an antibiotic

A doctor can determine 

what kind of ear infection 

your child has and if 

antibiotics will help. The 

doctor may follow expert 

guidelines to wait for a 

couple of days before 

prescribing antibiotics 

since your child may get 

better without them.

4. Most sore 

throats DO 

NOT require 

an antibiotic

Only 1 in 5 children seen by 

a doctor for a sore throat 

has strep throat, which 

should be treated with an 

antibiotic. Your child’s

doctor can only confirm 

strep throat by running a 

test.

5. Green 

colored 

mucus is 

NOT a sign 

that an 

antibiotic 

is needed

As the body’s 

immune system 

fights off an 

infection, mucus can 

change color. This 

is normal and does 

not mean your child 

needs an antibiotic.

6. There are 

potential 

risks when 

taking any 

prescription 

drug

Antibiotic use can cause 

complications, ranging 

from an upset stomach 

to a serious allergic 

reaction. Your child’s 

doctor will weigh the 

risks and benefits before 

prescribing an antibiotic.