Taking care once illness strikes is critical to wellness

An antibiotic is a medicine that destroys bacteria. An antibiotic will not help your body fight a cold or flu because these infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics will neither prevent nor, fight viruses. Antibiotics will not work for bronchitis, most coughs and most sore throats either.

If a person takes antibiotics every time he or she is sick, the bacteria may become antibiotic resistance. The bacteria may become stronger and harder to kill. If this happens, stronger medicine or hospitalization may be needed. It is important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and...