Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
Why Antibiotics Don't Work on Viruses
Antibiotics are designed to target and kill bacteria. Viruses, on the other hand, have a completely different structure and mechanism of action compared to bacteria. Antibiotics work by interfering with essential bacterial processes, such as:
- Cell wall synthesis
- Protein production
- DNA replication
Viruses replicate inside host cells using the host's cellular machinery. Because antibiotics don't target the host's cellular machinery, they are powerless against viruses.
What to Do for Viral Infections
Treatment for viral infections typically focuses on symptom relief and supporting the body's immune system. This may include:
- Rest
- Hydration
- Over-the-counter medications (e.g., pain relievers, decongestants)
- Antiviral medications (in specific cases, prescribed by a doctor)
Antiviral medications are designed to target specific viruses and interfere with their replication. However, they are not available for all viral infections and often have specific usage guidelines.
Secondary Bacterial Infections
Sometimes, a viral infection can weaken the body's defenses and make it more susceptible to a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. In this case, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection, but this is separate from treating the initial viral infection. In such cases, the choice of antibiotic will depend on local prevalence of particular bacteria.
