If you're confused, you're not alone. 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 by understanding when it is appropriate to use antibiotics and when you should avoid them. They don't work at all against infections caused by viruses.
Viruses cause colds, influenza, most mild coughs and sore throats, and other infections.
As many as half of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions written every year are unnecessary, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The answer depends on what is causing your infection. Talk with a health care provider about your symptoms, the duration of your illness, and any changes you have noticed. These illnesses are caused by viruses. They can't be cured with antibiotics.