0
Because antibiotics are designed (by nature) to effect bacteria. And bacteria and virsus are two very different things.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why are antibiotics ineffective in treating viral infections?
Antibiotics are ineffective (while not always) in treating viral (virus) infections because of how the medications take effect. Antibiotics work by changing the body's PH to kill off bacteria. Virus's have to have a host to live and therefore can adapt to the changed in the body. So successfully kill viruses, one has to destroy the DNA within it.
Are antibiotics effective to shorten the duration of a cold or flu?
No, antibiotics are not the right medication for a cold. Antibiotics are for treating bacterial infections. The common cold is caused by a virus, not bacteria, and will not be affected by antibiotics. There may be a situation where a doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a secondary bacterial infection after a cold or flu, but the cold itself can not be treated with antibiotics...it is a waste of money to use them for a cold and is also an unnecessary risk of adverse reactions or allergies to the antibiotics.
Why are antibiotics not used on viral infections?
Antibiotics damage the cell wall of living organism leading to its death. The viruses do not have a cell wall. Antibiotics are produced by bacteria and fungi that treat bacterial infections, not viral infections because viruses use host cells to perform their activities. So, they cannot kill viruses. That's why antibiotics are not effective for viral diseases.
Do antibiotics work against bacteria?
antibiotics are useful against bacteria because they help to kill off the nasty bacteria or they can also stop the bacteria from reproducing - so the illness doesn't get worse. this then gives your body time to make antibodies which will eventually distroy the bacteria. after this, you won't get the disease again because you are immune to it.
Why don't antibiotics affect virus?
Because antibiotics are designed to fight bacterial infections, whereas antivirals are used to combat viral infections.
Why are viral infections not cured by antibiotics?
because show me your genitals
What are not effective treatments for viral infections?
Antibiotics are not effective for treating viral infections because antibiotics target bacterial infections. Other treatments like antiviral medications may be necessary for managing viral infections. Home remedies like herbal supplements or essential oils have not been scientifically proven to effectively treat viral infections.
Why is antibiotics given for bacteria and not virus infection?
Simply because antibiotics only kill bacteria, and not viruses. There are no medications to kill viruses, your body has to fight the virus off on its own. There are some antiviral medications, but they do not kill the virus, they only prevent its growth, and only for very specific strains of very specific viruses.
What is used to treat bacterial infections but cannot prevent viral diseases?
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections by targeting the bacteria's structure or function. However, antibiotics are not effective against viruses because viruses are different from bacteria in structure and how they replicate. This is why antibiotics cannot prevent or treat viral diseases.
Why shouldn't you take the antibiotics that has been prescribed for someone else?
Taking antibiotics prescribed for someone else can be harmful because the dosage may not be appropriate for your condition, leading to ineffective treatment or potential side effects. Additionally, using antibiotics not specifically prescribed for you can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat infections in the future. It's important to always consult with a healthcare provider for your own personalized treatment.
Who invented penecillin?
Alexander Fleming 1928 Penicillin antibiotics are historically significant because they were the first drugs that were effective against many serious bacterial infections, and subsequent diseases associated. In addition this antibiotic can beat syphilis and staph infections.
What antibiotic is commonly used to treat viral infections?
There are no antibiotics that are effective against viruses. In fact, they should never be used unless a secondary bacterial infection is present and this is best determined by culturing the drainage, whether it is from the nose, throat, blood, or sputum. Because some Dr.'s have overprescribed antibiotics, many of the common bacteria have developed resistance.
