Antibiotics are drugs prescribed by your doctor to fight bacterial infections. These types of infections can cause serious health problems if they are not treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Bacterial infections include strep throat, MRSA, and tuberculosis.

Antibiotics should not be used to treat viral infections like the common cold, the flu, most coughs and bronchitis, chest colds, minor sore throats, and some ear infections.

If you feel sick, see your doctor. He or she will be able to tell you if you have a bacterial or viral infection. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic. If you have a viral infection, your doctor will not prescribe an antibiotic.

If you are prescribed an antibiotic, take it exactly as your doctor tells you. Be sure to take the antibiotic until the prescription runs out. If you stop too soon because you feel better, the bacteria may survive.

If your doctor does not think you need an antibiotic, it doesn’t mean you are not being treated. Rest, fluids, and sometimes over-the-counter pain relievers (like Tylenol) can be the best treatment.