Antibiotics are Great – But They Won’t Help Fight Colds, Flu or COVID-19

Health experts say you should not use antibiotics to fight viruses. -File Photo

By Priya Nori, MD

Bronx Voice

October 25, 2023

HEALTH - Common colds, caused by viruses, can leave you feeling unable to get work done or leave bed. While your doctor wants to get you well quickly, the truth is that antibiotics do not treat viruses. Using antibiotics in the right scenarios only is important to our individual well-being and the health of the Bronx and global communities. 

Antibiotics are, no doubt, lifesaving. Because of antibiotics, childbirth is much safer, and people are less likely to die from simple wounds that become infected. Organ transplants and cancer treatments are possible with the help of antibiotics. 

Still, antibiotics do not defend against viruses. They are ineffective against common colds, runny noses, most sore throats, COVID-19, and the flu. Often, sinus infections and ear infections from certain bacteria will get better without antibiotics. Taking an antibiotic “just in case” can be counterproductive and even harmful to people taking them and to our environment. 

Using antibiotics when they are not needed can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which happens when bacteria are exposed to these powerful drugs. Bacteria, once exposed, can mutate and become resistant to antibiotics. These changes cause vulnerable bacteria to die, while stronger, resistant ones are left behind to grow and spread. Illnesses caused by these resistant bacteria are harder to treat. 

 

In the Bronx, the number of people with asthma and other chronic lung disease is higher– due to environmental pollution and other factors. These conditions can increase vulnerability to lung infections including drug resistant microbes. Moreover, data also suggest that poorer communities are more vulnerable to antibiotic resistant infections. 

Antibiotic resistance sounds like something for scientists to worry about but it matters to our community. Black and non-white Hispanic people, and those who may have lower access to quality healthcare and quality food sources may face more exposure and illness. 

Antibiotic resistance has multiple causes and solutions. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.

When you get sick, understand that most respiratory illnesses (e.g., the common cold) are caused by viruses. Some illnesses just take time and rest to get better – and antibiotics may not help. However, if your symptoms are getting worse or not improving, then ask your healthcare provider if antibiotics may be needed. 

Antibiotics which are not used properly in agriculture and livestock can worsen human exposure to drug resistant bacteria. Consider supporting conventional and organic food brands that discourage routine use of antibiotics in animals. 

Stay up to date on recommended vaccines against respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), RSV, and the flu. Preventing these illnesses will also help prevent exposure to unnecessary antibiotics.

Taking the steps outlined above can help us collectively safeguard antibiotics for the global community.

Priya Nori, MD is an Infectious Diseases Physician at the Montefiore Health System, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY, and chairperson of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee at the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.