Why Antibiotics Does Not Work For Cold or Flu?
It is a time when most people suffer from cold and flu as the weather changes. As a result, you will walk to the doctor's clinic but get disappointed as the doctor will give no prescription.
This is when you need to know that antibiotics are not meant for treating colds and flu. Antibiotics are not only practical but also one of the best medications.
They instantly make you feel better if taken to treat infections caused by bacteria. However, you need to know that intake of antibiotics, when not required, can even cause significant harm to your body.
Antibiotic medicines are only effective in fighting bacterial infections, entirely different from viruses. So, if you want to know why antibiotics do not work for treating flu, then this blog is definitely for you.
What are Antibiotics?
Viruses cause colds, flu, bronchitis, sore throats, sinus infections, and runny noses. Since viruses are entirely different from bacteria, so are the illnesses that are caused by each of them.
It is essential to know that antibiotics are not meant to kill viruses. Viruses have different structures and replicate differently from bacteria.
As a result, viruses are said not to respond to antibiotics meant for treating bacterial infections.
How do Antibiotics work?
Antibiotics are mainly used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Bacteria are small organisms that can live inside or outside the human body.
Some bacteria are not harmful to your body; instead, they are beneficial. Bacteria in your digestive system are harmless and help you digest food properly.
Some bacteria in your body can cause severe diseases if not treated on time. Antibiotics mainly work by averting the growth of bacteria, which kills or inhibits the bacteria further.
Several antibiotics on the market help treat different kinds of bacteria that cause infections. Amoxicillin, a penicillin-type antibiotic, is recommended if you suffer from strep throat.
But remember, it will not work for treating common types of pneumonia.
Why do antibiotic Medicines not work for Viruses or Flu?
Viruses are completely different from bacteria and even have a different structure and way of life. Viruses do not have cell walls attacked by antibiotics because a protective protein coat surrounds them.
You must know that bacteria attack your body cells from the outside. On the other hand, viruses move into, live in, and even start making copies of themselves inside your body's cells.
Like bacteria, viruses cannot reproduce independently, so they attach themselves to healthy cells.
As a result, they reprogram those cells to make new viruses. Due to all these differences, antibiotics cannot treat the flu or other viruses.
How can you treat viruses?
So, you might be thinking about what else you can do to treat illnesses caused by viruses. One of the best ways is to drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter medicines.
Doing these things will help you relieve symptoms and further assist you in recovering from a virus infection. Letting your body fight off the flu or viruses is always better.
Therefore, after reading this blog, you must have understood why antibiotics do not work for the flu.
Tips:
The best ways to manage cold and flu include getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms like fever and congestion. Always consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or if a bacterial infection develops.
Conclusion:
Antibiotics are ineffective against colds and flu because viruses, not bacteria, cause these illnesses. Antibiotics target bacterial infections, but viruses have different structures and replication processes. Thus, antibiotics are ineffective and fail to fight against bacterial infections. So, using antibiotics unnecessarily can harm your body and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
For viral infections like colds and flu, focus on supportive care: drink plenty of fluids, rest, and use over-the-counter remedies to alleviate symptoms. It is essential to seek medical advice if you suspect any symptoms and feel unwell. The best approach for viral infections is to take antiviral medications and let your body naturally combat the virus. Understanding this will help ensure you use antibiotics appropriately and effectively when they are genuinely needed. However, when buying antibiotics, you may choose Refillonlinepharmacy to get them at the best price.
