Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Answer

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CDC Feature: Be Antibiotics Aware: Smart Use, Best Care

Chart of Illnesses and Antibiotics Needed or Not Needed

Viruses or Bacteria What’s got you sick?image icon

Chart of common conditions and whether or not antibiotics are needed

  • Strep throat: Caused by bacteria. Antibiotic needed.
  • Whooping cough: Caused by bacteria. Antibiotic needed.
  • Urinary tract infection: Commonly caused by bacteria. Antibiotic needed.
  • Sinus infection: Commonly caused by bacteria or a virus. Antibiotic may be needed.
  • Middle ear infection: Commonly caused by bacteria or a virus. Antibiotic may be needed.
  • Bronchitis/chest cold (in otherwise healthy children and adults)*: Commonly caused by bacteria or a virus. Antibiotic not needed.
  • Common cold/runny nose: Caused by a virus. Antibiotic not needed.
  • Sore throat (except strep): Commonly caused by a virus. Antibiotic not needed.
  • Flu: Caused by a virus. Antibiotic not needed.

*Studies show that in otherwise healthy children and adults, antibiotics for bronchitis won’t help you feel better.

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Page last reviewed: November 8, 2021
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP)