Antibiotic Overuse

Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections, but they never cure viral infections. Treating viral infections with antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections does not work. Viral infections include colds, flu, most bronchitis, most sore throats, and coughs. Using antibiotics when you have a virus could make the antibiotic less effective when you really need it (antibiotic resistance).

Overuse of antibacterial soaps and cleaning agents may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Use of usual household cleaning products is all that is necessary in homes of healthy individuals.