Antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria that cause certain conditions, such as strep throat and some skin infections. Antibiotics do not cure infections caused by viruses, including most cases of sore throat, earache and runny nose.

Antibiotics are drugs that kill bacteria that cause certain conditions, such as strep throat and some skin infections. Antibiotics do not cure infections caused by viruses, including most cases of sore throat, earache and runny nose. Like any drug, antibiotics can have side effects, so using them when they are not needed may expose a patient to risks without any benefit. In addition, across the community, the overuse of antibiotics is resulting in bacteria that have developed a "resistance" to some commonly used antibiotics and no longer respond to treatment with those drugs. This makes it harder and more expensive to treat bacterial infections.

Patients and Caregivers

If you or your child has a cold or sore throat:

• Before taking an antibiotic for a sore throat, ask your doctor or health care provider to do a "strep" test to be sure an antibiotic will help.
• Take antibiotics only when needed: if you aren't sure when that is, ask your doctor.
• Protect yourself and your family from the spread of viruses by getting a yearly flu shot, frequently washing your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizers, covering your mouth when coughing, and staying home if you have a cold, especially with a fever.

Doctors and Other Health Care Professionals

• Help patients understand when antibiotics will help and when they will not.
• Explain that misuse of antibiotics can create strains of bacteria that are resistant to treatment.
• Test patients with sore throat for "strep" before prescribing an antibiotic.
• When a condition cannot be treated by antibiotics, such as a common cold, suggest other care such as rest and liquids.

Employers and Other Health Care Purchasers

• Help educate employees and their families about the risks of overusing antibiotics.
• Help educate employees about how to avoid getting or spreading a cold or sore throat.
• Encourage employees to stay home when they are sick.

Health Plans

• Communicate with your members, employees and their dependents, network providers, brokers and consultants about the importance of appropriately using antibiotics.

American Lung Association
Mayo Clinic
Medline Plus
Washington State Department of Health
Puget Sound Health Alliance Clinical Improvement Team Report on Pharmaceuticals