If antibiotics are used too often for things they can't treat—like colds, flu, 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 pressing public health problems. Widespread overuse of antibiotics is fueling 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.

Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Taking antibiotics when you or your child has a virus may do more harm than good. Get smart about when antibiotics are appropriate—to fight bacterial infections. Taking them for viral infections, such as a cold, most sore throats, the flu, or acute bronchitis:

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

• Do not demand antibiotics when a healthcare provider 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 appropriate for your or your child's illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.

If your healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic for you or your child:

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

View or download "Snort. Sniffle. Sneeze: No Antibiotics Please!" (video 3:47 mins)

Learn about appropriate antibiotic use and how to feel better when you or your child has a sore throat, ear or sinus pain, fever, cough, or runny nose.

Adults and kids should clean their hands often, especially before meals and after touching pets. And make sure both you and your child are up-to-date on recommended immunizations.

Talk with your healthcare provider about the best treatment for your or your child's illness. To feel better when you or your child has an upper respiratory infection:

• Increase fluid intake;
• Get plenty of rest;
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion; and
• Soothe a throat with ice chips, sore throat spray, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to young children).

CDC created a video to help you learn more about appropriate antibiotic use and how to feel better when you or your child has a sore throat, ear or sinus pain, fever, cough, or runny nose. This video features a doctor, who is also a concerned mom. You can download the video at CDC-TV, download the podcast, or access on your mobile phone.

• Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work 
• Symptom Relief
• Antibiotics Information en Español 
• Tools for Healthcare Providers 
• Antibiotic Resistance Questions & Answers
• Medication Safety 
• Influenza (flu)  
• Send a Health-e-Card to
  • Parents of older children 
  • Parents of younger children 
  • Healthcare providers
• Download a Podcast
  • Pharmacists Can Make the Difference (2009) (2:21 minutes)
  • Antibiotics: One of the Greatest Discoveries of the 20th Century (2008) (1:38 minutes)  
  • Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work (2008) (5:58 minutes)

• Page last reviewed: October 5, 2009
• Page last updated: October 5, 2009
• Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Bacterial Diseases
• Page maintained by: National Center for Health Marketing, Division of eHealth Marketing
• URL for this page: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/GetSmart/

• Medical Disclaimer

  CDC's Web site provides health information for your general knowledge. Concerns about a medical condition–either your own or that of a family member–should always be addressed to your primary care physician for advice and care appropriate to your specific medical needs. CDC does not recommend self-diagnosis or self-management of health problems that should be attended to by healthcare professionals.

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