Antibiotics have no effect on viral ailments but people continue to use them. Antibacterial soap and other household products destroy good bacteria. Curbing spread of antibiotic resistance Antibiotic resistance is inevitable. However, there are a few things that we, as consumers, can do to control the spread of antibiotic resistance. Do not seek antibiotics for the treatment of viral infections such as the common cold, sore throat, bronchitis, or flu.
Antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases.
Taking antibiotics improperly simply leads to more antibiotics in the sewage and a buildup of antibiotic resistant bacteria in your microbiota. Take the full course of antibiotics when they are prescribed. Stopping when you feel better means that some bacteria in your body were exposed to only small doses of the antibiotic and have survived. They are now resistant to small amounts of the antibiotic. The next time you get an infection they will not be so easily killed.