Why Antibiotics Don’t Work on Some Illnesses and What You Can Do for Relief Instead

When you’re feeling under the weather, your first instinct might be to rush to First Care and ask the provider for some antibiotics to kick whatever it is you have. After all, antibiotics work for every illness, right? Well, not exactly. Antibiotics actually don’t work against any viral infection like the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19.

So, what are antibiotics used for?

Antibiotics are only used for fighting off infections caused by bacteria. Our bodies are teeming with these microscopic organisms, and most bacteria are harmless or even helpful! But some bacteria can cause illness, and that’s where antibiotics come in. These powerful medicines come in two forms. Some act like brakes on bacteria, slowing their growth and preventing them from spreading. Others go on the offensive, destroying the bacteria's cell walls and eliminating them. Providers choose the right antibiotic based on the specific type of bacteria causing the infection.

Wait, why don’t antibiotics work on viruses?

Viruses are structurally different than bacteria. Bacteria are single-cell organisms with a cell wall that antibiotics can destroy, but viruses don’t. Viruses are structurally simple and don’t have a cell wall—they are essentially just bundles of genetic material wrapped in protein and piggyback off of our own cells to reproduce. Antibiotics can't target this process, making them ineffective against viral infections. 

What’s wrong with taking antibiotics “just in case?”

You should never take antibiotics if they aren’t medically necessary because you can end up getting sicker in the future. Like any living organism, bacteria can evolve and change. Bacteria are constantly evolving, and some develop resistance to antibiotics (the medicines we rely on to fight bacterial infections). This resistance is a growing threat because when bacteria become resistant, we lose effective treatment options. Taking antibiotics when you don't truly need them, such as for a viral cold, contributes to this resistance. Think of antibiotics as powerful weapons against harmful bacteria. If we misuse them by using taking them for the wrong reasons, it's like giving bacteria target practice, allowing them to develop ways to evade these weapons. This not only puts you at risk—the antibiotics might not work when you have a serious bacterial infection later—but it also puts everyone at risk, as resistant bacteria can spread easily.

Okay, so what can I do for relief?

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for a viral infection; you’ll just have to let it run its course. But you can do a few things to relieve your symptoms to help you feel a little better while you heal:

·       Rest: This is key! Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night, and take naps if you can during the day.

·       Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and loosen congestion. Water, clear broth, and warm lemon water are all great choices. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which can dehydrate you further.

·       Soothe a sore throat: Gargle with warm salt water or sip on warm liquids like tea with honey (for individuals over 1 year old).

·       Ease congestion: Breathe in moist air from a humidifier or take a hot shower. You can also try saline nasal rinses.

·       Get over-the-counter relief: Consider pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage fever and aches. Decongestants and cough suppressants can also help with specific symptoms, but talk to your pharmacist or provider for guidance on which ones are right for you.

If you are sick but are unsure of what you have, the best thing you can do is to visit a healthcare clinic like First Care for testing. We offer in-house diagnostic testing for flu, strep, mono, and COVID-19, so you’ll know exactly what you’re suffering from. This will help you get on the road to recovery faster and put you in contact with medical professionals who truly care about your well-being. We accept both walk-ins and appointments seven days a week and even offer extended hours so that you never have to suffer through your illness without care again. Schedule your appointment today online or give us a call at (205) 270-5285 for any questions you may have. We look forward to providing you with quality care backed by over 20 years of experience!