Skip to Main Content

Antibiotics: When They Help and When They Don’t

Date: 09/30/25

Although antibiotics are helpful medicines and can save lives when used correctly, you don’t always need them when you are sick. Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed or taking them incorrectly can lead to antibiotic resistance. This means that when you do need an antibiotic, it won’t be as effective at treating your illness.

Antibiotics only treat some infections caused by bacteria.  A few of these include:

  1. Strep throat
  2. Urinary tract infection
  3. Whooping cough

Always take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your provider. Never save them for later or share them with others.

There are some bacterial infections that are not treated with antibiotics, though, including ear infections and many sinus infections.

Antibiotics do not work on infections that are caused by viruses. A few examples of this include:

  • The flu
  • Chest colds like bronchitis
  • Colds and runny noses
  • Sore throats, besides strep throat

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a virus, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter pain medicines and cold remedies. They can help treat your symptoms while your body works to get better.

To learn more about when antibiotics are needed or when they aren’t, review the Centers for Disease Control’s guide to help you determine if you have a cold or virus.