EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Viruses are germs different from bacteria. They cause infections, such as colds and flu. However, antibiotics do not treat infections caused by viruses.

Detailed explanation-2: -Antibiotics DO NOT work on viruses, such as those that cause colds, flu, or COVID-19. Antibiotics also are not needed for many sinus infections and some ear infections. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they won’t help you, and the side effects could still cause harm.

Detailed explanation-3: -Viruses and bacteria also have a different structure and a different way of surviving. Viruses are surrounded by a protective protein coating; they don’t have cell walls that can be attacked by antibiotics like bacteria does. It is because of this that antibiotics don’t work on viruses.

Detailed explanation-4: -False. Antibiotics do not work on viruses such as those that cause colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green. Antibiotics can save lives, but they aren’t always the answer. Illnesses such as colds and flu are caused by viruses.

Detailed explanation-5: -For most viral infections, treatments can only help with symptoms while you wait for your immune system to fight off the virus. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections. There are antiviral medicines to treat some viral infections. Vaccines can help prevent you from getting many viral diseases.