Antibiotics Aren't Always the Answer

Dangers of Antibiotic Resistance

Did You Know?

Antibiotic resistance is one of the world's most pressing public health threats.
Antibiotics are the most important tool we have to combat life-threatening bacterial disease, but using antibiotics can also result in side effects.
Antibiotic use leads to new drug-resistant germs and increased risks to patients.
Patients, healthcare providers, hospital administrators and policy makers must work together to employ safe and effective strategies for improving antibiotic use—ultimately saving lives.

Colds and many other upper respiratory infections, as well as some ear infections, are caused by viruses, not bacteria. If antibiotics are used too often for things they can't treat—like colds or other viral infections—they can stop working effectively against bacteria when you or your child really needs them. Antibiotic resistance—when antibiotics can no longer cure bacterial infections—has been a concern for years and is considered one of the world's most critical public health threats.
CDC efforts have resulted in fewer children receiving unnecessary antibiotics in recent years, but inappropriate use remains a problem. Widespread overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics continues to fuel an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.So the next time you or your child really needs an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, it may not work.
Antibiotic resistance is also an economic burden on the entire healthcare system. Resistant infections cost more to treat and can prolong healthcare use.

If You or Your Child Has a Virus Like a Cold or Sore Throat

Taking antibiotics when you or your child has a virus may do more harm than good. In fact, in children, antibiotics are the most common cause of emergency department visits for adverse drug events. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter products may be your or your child's best treatment option.

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Get smart about when antibiotics are appropriate—to fight bacterial infections. Taking them for viral infections, such as a cold, most sore throats, acute bronchitis and many sinus or ear infections:

Will not cure the infection
Will not keep other people from getting sick
Will not help you or your child feel better
May cause unnecessary and harmful side effects

What Not to Do

Do not demand antibiotics when a doctor says they are not needed.
Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or most sore throats.
Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be right for your or your child's illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to increase.

If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic for bacterial infection:

Do not skip doses.
Do not save any of the antibiotics for the next time you or your child gets sick.

Use Wisely

Remember–there are potential risks when taking any prescription drug. Antibiotics should only be used when a doctor determines they are needed. Learn more about these risks.

What to Do

Just because your doctor doesn't give you an antibiotic doesn't mean you aren't sick.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for your or your child's illness. To feel better when you or your child has an upper respiratory infection:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter treatment options that may help reduce symptoms
Increase fluid intake
Get plenty of rest
Use a cool-mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion
Soothe a throat with ice chips, sore throat spray, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to young children)

Video: Parents Want To Do What’s Best

When your child is sick, antibiotics may not be the answer. Work with your child's doctor or nurse to learn how you can help your child feel better. CDC created a 30-second TV public service announcement to highlight this important information. You can view and download the video or access it on your mobile phone