According to Yahoo answers, antibiotics cannot kill viruses
2006-12-19 02:50:31 · 15 answers · asked by Ina T 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Antibiotic's can't do anything for a viral infection. However, if the viral infection is respiratory in nature, the virus can leave your child open for bacterial secondary infections, which can cause pneumonia. The antibiotics are to help fight off any nasty secondary infections that might come along, however, for viruses, mom was always right. Bed rest and fluids will help you get on your feet faster.
2006-12-19 02:55:55 · answer #1 · answered by lib_dem_2004 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He is a doctor, he should know what he is doing. However, if it is not a bacterial infection the antibiotics won't don't a whit of good. There are alot of studies lately that doctors are overprescribing anti-biotics and I think that is the case here. Most viruses have to run their course and by the time they are overwith is when it would appear the anti-biotics are working. People need to quit using them until they absolutely need them. I have a mother-in-law who saves hers and only takes them 2-3 days or until she feels better. That is not the purpose of anti-biotics. They are used for infections caused by bacteria and you have to continue taking them for 7-10 days no matter if you feel better or not. Please call you doctor and asked if this is viral or bacteria. At that point confront him if he says viral and say it won't do your 9yr. old any good, why did he prescribe it. One day, we're going to really need antibiotics and they won't work anymore because everyone has been taking them too much.
2006-12-19 10:55:31 · answer #2 · answered by daff73 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Correct. Antibiotics do not kill viral infection, only bacterial. Confirm with your doctor it is a viral infection, then ask him why the prescription for antibiotics.
2006-12-19 10:52:47 · answer #3 · answered by S H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No antibiotics ONLY kill Bacteria, what did he prescribe your kid? He may suspect virus, but is covering other possibilities by giving antibiotics.
2006-12-19 10:54:09 · answer #4 · answered by byc0181 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no antibiotics are not indicated in viral infections. antibiotics do not have any effect on viruses. antibiotics can prevent a secondary bacterial infection.
2006-12-19 10:53:25 · answer #5 · answered by answergod 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
antibiotics cannot kill viruses, but i guess it will suppress any more bacteria from attacking your child's general system as your immune system is already weakened (thus more prone to other bacterial or viral invasions) due to the viral infection.
2006-12-19 14:25:15 · answer #6 · answered by Ashley 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no - antibiotics do not kill viruses. keeping him warm and hydrated and use vitamin supplements, especially C. your body will kill off the virus on its own if it has the bodily support. that is why there is no cure for the 'common cold'
2006-12-19 10:54:41 · answer #7 · answered by billnrhonda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doctors are like lawyers, they just want your money.
The antibiotics will only cause secondary problems, therefore, when you have to return to his office, he gets more of your money for the office call and the drug company gets more of your money for the drugs. It's all for the come-back.
Treat your problems at home, unless it's a life threatening emergency. Only see a medical person if you have a bullet in you, and as soon as they take it out of you run away as fast as you can.
2006-12-19 11:09:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
antibiotics can't kill viruses. if your child hasn't been immunized, i really don't think there's anything to be done about the virus except wait it out.
2006-12-19 10:59:39 · answer #9 · answered by superfluousapathy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses.
2006-12-19 10:52:40 · answer #10 · answered by lisa h 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋