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Get smart about antibiotics*

Antibiotics are great when you need them. But did you know that these drugs won't cure coughs, colds, and flu? Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. If you think you need an antibiotic, please review this information and talk with your health care provider.

Fast facts on antibiotics

• Antibiotics don't work for viruses that cause colds, flu, and bronchitis.
• Overuse of antibiotics creates resistant bacteria (bacteria learn to “outsmart” the antibiotics). The resistant bacteria survive and multiply, causing more harm.
• Infections caused by these resistant bacteria are much harder to treat and can be serious. They have become a nation-wide problem.
• Talk to your doctor about the best treatment and don't automatically ask your doctor for antibiotics. Your doctor will determine if your infection is bacterial and needs antibiotics.

What you can do if you have cold or flu symptoms

• Get extra sleep and drink plenty of fluids.
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for fever or pain.
• Use a vaporizer or saline nose drops as needed.
• Gargle with warm salt water.
• See your health care provider if symptoms are severe or do not improve in 10 to 14 days.
• Let your health care provider decide if you need an antibiotic.

What you can do to avoid antibiotic-resistant infections

Start by talking with your health care provider about antibiotic resistance.

• Ask whether an antibiotic is likely to be effective in treating your illness.
• Do not demand an antibiotic when your health care provider determines one is not appropriate.
• Ask what else you can do to help relieve your symptoms.
• Make sure your immunizations (shots) are up to date. Ask your health care provider about getting a flu shot before each flu season. If you are age 65 or older, ask about getting the pneumonia vaccine.
• Wash your hands often to cut down on the spread of germs.

More resources

• Consumer Information from WARN (Wisconsin Antibiotic Resistance Network)
• Get Smart from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control)

*Much of this information is adapted and used with permission from the Wisconsin Antibiotic Resistance Network (WARN), a joint partnership of the Marshfield Medical Research Foundation, the Wisconsin Medical Society, and the Wisconsin Division of Public Health. For more information, visit WARN.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you believe you have a health problem.