Antibiotic Use in Colds and Flu

Simply put - antibiotics won't help you get over a cold or flu faster, as viruses cause colds, and flu and antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections and diseases.

Viruses are a type of tiny organism that can cause illness. When you have a cold, you may sneeze and have a blocked or a runny nose, sore throat and a cough. Colds rarely cause serious harm, but they can still make you feel unwell. Colds usually get better in 7–10 days, but a cough can last up to three weeks. Influenza, commonly known as ‘the flu’, is different to a cold although viruses cause both. Flu symptoms usually start suddenly with a high fever, and you may