But many of these antibiotics are simply variations of the same type. In other words, in some cases the magic bullets are bouncing harmlessly off of hardier and therefore more dangerous germs. Having new types of antibiotics should help doctors fight these stubborn germs. Efforts to reduce antibiotic use are also underway to help slow the spread of drug resistance among bacteria. One of the biggest problems is the use of antibiotics to treat viral infections.
Antibiotics only work against bacteria.
They DO NOT and never have worked against viruses. However, many people expect to take a drug when they feel ill, even with a cold, and doctors have been willing to prescibe pills just to make their patients feel better, even though they know those pills won't actually do anything. Unfortunately, bacteria that normally live in the body are exposed to the antibiotic and over time they evolve means to shield themselves. They share this defense with other bacteria, including germs passing through the body. Bacteria moving from one person to another share this defense with other bacteria, and so resistance spreads.