What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat
infections that are caused by bacteria (germs).
Antibiotics cannot treat infections caused by
viruses (such as colds and the flu).
Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them,
like for a cold or flu, is a waste and will not
help you get better. There is no point!
When are antibiotics not needed?
• Most common infections are caused by viruses.
• This includes all colds, most coughs, sore
throats, ear infections and diarrhoea.
• Antibiotics do not work against these infections.
• Most of these illnesses get better themselves
without antibiotics.
When do antibiotics work?
• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you
have an infection caused by a bacteria such as a
chest infection, pneumonia or a kidney infection.
• Antibiotics are life-saving for infections such as
meningitis.
Some examples....
Common Cause: Virus Common Cause: Bacteria
 Head cold, runny nose, cough  Urine /kidney infection
 Sore throat, sinusitis
 Ear infections in children
 Persisting cough , cough in
people with chest problems ,
high fever or very unwell
 Vomiting and diarrhoea
 Skin infections e.g cellulitis
 Meningitis
Antibiotics rarely
needed
Antibiotics may be
needed
Why is there no point taking
antibiotics for colds and flu?
• Taking antibiotics when they aren’t needed
might mean that they won’t work when you
really need them for a serious infection.
• If you take many courses of antibiotics,
bacteria can change so that the antibiotic
does not work against them any more.
• These bacteria are said to be “resistant” to
this antibiotic and are much harder to treat.
Why is there no point taking
antibiotics for colds and flu?
• Taking antibiotics when they are not
needed also puts you at risk of side
effects, like a rash, upset stomach or
diarrhoea.
TREATING MY COLD OR FLU
– WHAT CAN I DO?
• The best way to treat most colds, coughs or sore
throats is to drink plenty of fluids and get some rest.
• You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve
headache, aches and pains and fever. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for advice about over-thecounter remedies.
• If you are taking medicines for other conditions you
must check with your doctor or pharmacist before
taking other over the counter remedies
EXAMPLES OF OVER THE
COUNTER REMEDIES
Symptoms
Runny nose, blocked
nose or congestion
Treatment
Nasal decongestant spray, Oral decongestant syrup or
tablets
Menthol & Eucalyptus oil preparations
Sore throat
Honey & lemon, anaesthetic lozenges
Paracetamol or ibuprofen
Cough in an adult
Antitussive for dry cough - to stop you coughing
Mucolytic or Expectorant for chesty cough - to help
you break up mucus
Paracetamol or Ibuprofen
Fever, pain, joint or
muscle aches
Cough in a child
Discuss with doctor or pharmacist.
When should I start to feel better?
Do you know how long common illnesses last?
Ear infection
around 4 days
Sore throat
around 1 week
Common cold (runny nose)
around 1½ weeks
Sinus infection
around 2½ weeks
Cough (which often happens after a common
cold)
around 3 weeks
3 things to remember if you
are prescribed an antibiotic
1. Take them exactly as prescribed.
2. Make sure you finish the full course, even if
you begin to feel better, to get rid of the
bacteria completely.
3. Do not ‘save’ left over antibiotics for the
next time you, your child, or any other
family member is sick.
- Medication prescribed for you now may
not be the right medicine for you again or
for another person.
TAKING ANTIBIOTICS FOR COLDS
AND FLU? THERE’S NO POINT
• Most common infections don’t need
antibiotics – they get better by themselves
• Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them
puts your health, and your family’s health at
risk
• If your doctor decides that you need an antibiotic,
make sure you take it exactly as prescribed
• Your pharmacist can advise you on over-thecounter remedies that can help to treat many
common infections
Where can I get further
information?
www.hse.ie/go/antibiotics