Know when Antibiotics work?.
Did you know that colds, flu, most sore throats, and bronchitis are caused by viruses? Are you aware that antibiotics do not help fight viruses? It's true. In addition, taking antibiotics when you have a virus may do more harm than good. Each time you or your child takes an antibiotic, the bacteria that normally live in the body (on the skin, in the intestine, in the mouth and nose, etc.) are more likely to become resistant to antibiotics. Plus, taking antibiotics when they are not needed can be harmful, and may lead to unwanted side effects like diarrhea, rashes, nausea, and stomach pain. More severe side effects may rarely occur, including life-threatening allergic reactions, kidney toxicity, and severe skin reactions.