“Antibiotics help treat colds and the flu.”
Strong confidence because common colds and influenza are viral infections, while antibiotics target bacteria. Current CDC guidance explicitly states that antibiotics do not work for colds or flu and that unnecessary use can cause adverse effects and antimicrobial resistance.
Antibiotics do not treat the viruses that cause colds or influenza, so they do not shorten or cure an uncomplicated viral illness.
A viral infection can sometimes be followed by a bacterial complication that does need antibiotics. That is a new diagnosis, not evidence that antibiotics treat the original cold or flu. Prescription antivirals may help influenza when clinically appropriate.
Safety note: Unneeded antibiotics can cause allergy, diarrhea and Clostridioides difficile infection and contribute to resistance. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share them.
Talk to a healthcare professional if: Seek care for trouble breathing, chest pain, dehydration, confusion, symptoms that improve and then worsen, or other severe or persistent symptoms. A clinician can assess for influenza treatment or a bacterial complication.
How sick you feel or the color of mucus cannot by itself show that an antibiotic is needed.
Ask what diagnosis an antibiotic would treat and whether testing, symptom care or an antiviral is more appropriate. If prescribed an antibiotic, take it exactly as directed.