You can protect yourself and your family by knowing when you should use antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work against infections caused by viruses. Viruses cause things like the common cold, coughs and sore throats. There are some bacteria that have grown stronger than our antibiotics, making it impossible for these antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
Resistant bacteria develop when antibiotics are used too often or incorrectly.
Resistant bacteria can sometimes be treated with more powerful medicines. A few kinds of resistant bacteria are untreatable. When to Use Antibiotics Antibiotics do not cure every illness. Coughing and bronchitis are almost always caused by viruses, but if the illness gets worse after 2 weeks you may need antibiotics. Most sore throats are caused by viruses except for strep throat, which requires antibiotics for treatment.