But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org , the AAFP patient education Web site. 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 work in infections caused by bacteria.
They don't work at all in infections caused by a virus. Most infections are caused by viruses or bacteria. Viruses cause colds and most coughs and sore throats. Infections caused by viruses can't be cured with antibiotics. Bacterial infections can be cured with antibiotics.