HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
Why you do not need antibiotics for your infection
He aha au e kore e matea nei ngā rongoā paturopi?
Antibiotics are medicines that can help treat a bacterial infection. They do not work for viral infections.
Most infections are caused by viruses. These include colds and sinusitis, middle ear infections and sore throats. Also, chest infections like bronchitis and the flu and diarrhoea and vomiting (gastroenteritis).
Bacteria can also cause infections. For example, urinary tract infections, pneumonia and skin infections.
You can fight off many bacterial infections without needing antibiotics.
Your immune system
Your immune system attacks and kills all types of germs and defends you against infections. It can fight off most types of viruses and bacteria.
While your immune system is fighting a viral infection, you might feel unwell for up to 2 weeks.
During this time, any mucus from your nose or chest may go from white or clear to yellow or pale green. This is normal. As long as it is just a small amount and you are not more unwell, you do not need antibiotics.
While you wait for your immune system to get rid of a viral infection, it is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Using paracetamol or ibuprofen, decongestants and gargles can help.
Taking antibiotics for a viral infection will not make you feel better any quicker. In fact, the side effects may make you feel worse.
The problem with taking antibiotics
Antibiotics might cause unwanted side effects like diarrhoea, vomiting and thrush. Rarely, people can get very serious side effects, such as liver problems or life-threatening allergies. Antibiotics can also interact with any other medicines you are taking.
Using antibiotics when they are not needed can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These are bacteria that have changed to resist common antibiotics. So, they can cause infections that are hard to treat. This is a growing problem for both people and animals worldwide.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2025.
SourcesReview key: HIANT-307383
