Antibiotics are powerful medicines that save lives and treat serious infections. But when they’re used the wrong way, they can cause more harm than good. In the United States, millions of antibiotics are prescribed each year that aren’t needed. This can lead to antibiotic resistance, which makes infections harder to treat.
The good news: you can make a difference. By knowing when antibiotics help, when they don’t, and how to use them safely, you can protect your health and help keep these medicines effective for everyone.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance happens when germs like bacteria or fungi change in a way that makes medicines stop working against them. That means infections become harder—or sometimes impossible—to cure.
According to the CDC, antibiotic-resistant infections affect more than 2.8 million people in the U.S. each year. Using antibiotics only when needed and taking steps to prevent infections can help reduce this problem and protect lives.
When antibiotics help and when they don't
Antibiotics ONLY work against infections caused by bacteria, such as:
- Strep throat
- Whooping cough
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
They DO NOT work against viruses, such as:
- Colds and runny noses
- Flu
- COVID-19
- Most sore throats (except strep throat)
- Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis)
“Antibiotics” in this blog refers to medicines that treat bacterial infections. Other medicines, called antivirals, are used to treat viral infections like the flu or COVID-19.
Antibiotics targeting bacterial illnesses won’t make viruses go away or help you recover faster. They can also cause side effects like upset stomach, skin rashes, or yeast infections.
Safe use matters
If your provider prescribes antibiotics:
- Take them exactly as prescribed and for the full duration
- Don’t skip doses even if you feel better
- Never share your prescriptions
- Only stop your antibiotics if directed by your provider—and safely dispose of unused antibiotics (don’t flush them)
Everyday steps to stay healthy
The best way to reduce the need for antibiotics is to prevent infections in the first place. Daily habits make a big difference:
- Wash your hands often
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Stay up to date on vaccines
- Stay home when you’re sick
Why it matters
Being antibiotic aware protects your health, your family, and your community. The fewer unnecessary antibiotics we use, the better chance these medicines will still work when we need them most.
Take charge of your health
Not every illness needs antibiotics.
When you’re sick for longer than normal, talk with your Marathon Health provider about the best treatment for you.
Schedule an appointment today!
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 22). Antibiotic prescribing and use. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Antibiotics aren’t always the answer [Fact sheet]. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/media/pdfs/Arent-Always-The-Answer-FS-508.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Improving antibiotic use [Fact sheet]. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/media/pdfs/Improving-Antibiotic-Use-508.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, September 23). Healthy habits: Antibiotic do’s and don’ts. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/about/index.html
