Antibiotics Aren't Always the Answer: Chart

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Viruses or bacteria - what's got you sick? Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Viral illnesses cannot be treated with antibiotics. When an antibiotic is not prescribed, ask your healthcare professional for tips on how to relieve symptoms and feel better. If you have a cold, runny nose, bronchitis, chest cold, flu, sore throat (except strep) or fluid in the middle ear, it is most likely caused by a virus and does not require an antibiotic. If you have whooping cough or strep throat, it is most likely caused by bacteria and needs antibiotics.