Do I really need antibiotics?
SAY YES TO ANTIBIOTICS
when needed for certain infections caused by bacteria.
SAY NO TO ANTIBIOTICS
for viruses, such as colds and flu, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green. Antibiotics also won’t help for common baterial infections including most cases of bronchitis, many sinus infections, and some ear infections.
Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria.
Antibiotics do NOT work on viruses.
To learn more about antibiotic prescribing and use, visit www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use
