Antibiotics are medications that are meant only to treat infections due to bacteria.
For this reason, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like the flu or cold.
A common mechanism by which antibiotics work is cell wall inhibition.
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This results in the cell membrane bursting.
Antibiotic resistance triggers when your body is exposed to antibiotics when they are not needed.
The viruses that cause the flu are calledinfluenza viruses.
Using antibiotics to treat viral infections is ineffective at improving or curing the illness.
This overuse or misuse of antibiotics may also contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Antivirals are medications that target influenza viruses.
Examples are Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir).
These are most effective when started as soon as possible after symptoms begin, ideally within 48 hours.
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