Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. Viral illnesses cannot be treated with antibiotics. When an antibiotic is not prescribed, ask your health care professional for tips on how to relieve symptoms and feel better.
| Common Cause | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Condition | Bacteria | Bacteria or Virus | Virus | Are Antibiotics Needed? |
| Strep throat | Yes | |||
| Whooping cough | Yes | |||
| Urinary tract infection | Yes | |||
| Sinus infection | Maybe | |||
| Middle ear infection | Maybe | |||
| Bronchitis/chest cold (in otherwise healthy children and adults)* | No* | |||
| Common cold/runny nose | No | |||
| Sore throat (except strep) | No | |||
| Flu | No | |||
* Studies show that in otherwise healthy children and adults, antibiotics for bronchitis won’t help you feel better.
More information about each common illness is available on the CDC website
