These illnesses may last for two weeks or more. Antibiotics have no effect on colds or flu. The Consulting Nurse will have suggestions for what you can do to feel more comfortable while the viral infection runs its course. Yellow or green mucus does not mean that a child or an adult has a bacterial infection. It is normal for the mucus to get thick and change color during a viral cold.
Antibiotics are useful medicines.
You should use them to treat certain bacterial infections. Talk to your health care provider to decide which infections need antibiotics. This way you'll be more likely to kill all the bacteria, not just the weaker bacteria. Never save pills for later, or share them with others. Do what you can to stop the spread of infection.