---
title: "Antibiotics basics"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about/index.html
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: CDC, \"Healthy Habits: Antibiotic Do's and Don'ts (2025-09-23)\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: health
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Healthy Habits: Antibiotic Do's and Don'ts (2025-09-23)"
    publisher: CDC
    url: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about/index.html
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
  - id: S2
    title: "Common Cold (health topic)"
    publisher: MedlinePlus / NLM
    url: https://medlineplus.gov/commoncold.html
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# Antibiotics basics

## Summary
Antibiotics treat only certain bacterial infections and do nothing for viruses like colds and flu. When prescribed, take them exactly as directed, never share or save them, and report side effects.

> **General information, not medical advice. See a clinician about your own situation; in an emergency call 911 (US).**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: Antibiotics treat certain bacterial infections (e.g. strep throat, whooping cough, UTIs); some bacterial infections, like many sinus and some ear infections, get better without them.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F2
  claim: They do not work on viruses: colds, flu, most sore throats, and most chest colds.
  confidence: high
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F3
  claim: Take them exactly as prescribed; do not share them, save them for later, or take someone else's.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
- id: F4
  claim: Common side effects include rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and yeast infections; serious ones include C. diff infection, severe allergic reactions, and resistant infections.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0

## Pointers
- answers: Full official guidance and details beyond this summary
  where: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about/index.html; https://medlineplus.gov/commoncold.html
  access: open, no account