Antibiotics are strong medicines that can stop some infections and save lives. But antibiotics can cause more harm than good when they aren't used the right way. You can protect yourself and your family by knowing when you should use antibiotics and when you should avoid them.
Antibiotics only work against infections caused by bacteria.
They don't work at all against infections caused by viruses. Viruses cause colds and most coughs and sore throats. Usually antibiotics kill bacteria or stop them from growing, but some bacteria have grown stronger and antibiotics won't work against them. Resistant bacteria develop when antibiotics are used too often or are not used correctly. Resistant bacteria sometimes can be treated with more powerful medicines.