So antibiotics have no effect on cold or flu viruses — your immune system can fight these viruses. Antibiotics are also associated with side effects such as diarrhoea, thrush and nausea. Some people have allergic reactions to certain antibiotics. Sometimes colds are complicated by another infection, such as an ear or throat infection.
These infections may be caused by bacteria or viruses. When they are caused by bacteria, antibiotics may have a place in treatment. Some examples include:. However, these illnesses also tend to get better by themselves, and antibiotics are needed only in some cases. If you have a high fever or your symptoms have become worse after an initial improvement, antibiotics may be needed.
If you decide to use a decongestant or other cold and flu medicine, make sure you check with your doctor or pharmacist that the medicine is appropriate for you. Also, take the medicine according to the instructions and check the ingredients to make sure you are not accidentally doubling up on anything. All medicines, including supplements and complementary medicines, can have unwanted effects and interactions with other medicines.
In addition, some complementary medicines may not have been tested in the same way as prescription medicines, especially in children. You should also see your doctor if you are worried at all or have any symptoms that suggest you or your child may have developed complications following a common cold , such as a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, high fevers, vomiting or severe tiredness.
NPS Medicinewise. Colds, cough and flu: What you can do updated May BMJ Best Practice. Common cold updated 27 Jun National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Flu and colds: In depth updated Nov Don't stop an antibiotic just because you begin to feel better.
Not taking the entire prescription may allow resistant bacteria to thrive and not be completely killed off. Also keep in mind that prescription medications are never meant to be shared.
Don't ever take someone else's antibiotic, and don't give yours to anyone else either. If it turns out that you don't have a bacteria-related illness, resist the urge to ask for these medications. Instead, treat the symptoms you have so you can rest a bit more comfortably until your infection passes.
Using antibiotics as and when directed is essential to these drugs working when you need them most. But to help avoid needing them altogether, make sure you get get a yearly flu vaccination.
Though the flu is viral, vaccination can help you reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections that may follow, which include sinus infection, ear infection, and bacterial pneumonia. Looking to avoid getting the flu?
Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season. Sign up and get yours today. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About antibiotic resistance. Updated February 10, Viruses or bacteria: What's got you sick?
November 16, Protect yourself and your family. Updated January 31, Yook YK, et al. Guidelines for the antibiotic use in adults with acute upper respiratory tract infections. Infect Chemother. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. Over-the-Counter Medicine and Children Be careful about giving over-the-counter medicines to children. Pain relievers: Children younger than 6 months: only give acetaminophen.
Children 6 months or older: it is OK to give acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Cough and cold medicines: Children younger than 4 years old: do not use unless a doctor specifically tells you to. Use of over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in young children can result in serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.
Prevention You can help prevent colds by doing your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy, including: Clean your hands. Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address. What's this? Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. If your symptoms become severe, make sure to see your doctor or use one of our online or walk-in options for care. Watch to see what happens to these germs when we take too many antibiotics. At Atrium Health, we spread antibiotic education to our doctors through our Antimicrobial Support Network and patient care collaborative, which both work with doctors to make sure patients are prescribed the most appropriate antibiotics.
The ultimate goal is to improve your care and safety. View our current visitor policy. Got Germs? How antibiotics work Antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria germs and can only treat sickness caused by bacteria, also known as a bacterial infection. This includes strep throat, urinary tract infections UTI and many skin infections.
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