Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from spreading. But they do not work for everything.
Many mild bacterial infections get better on their own without using antibiotics.
Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as colds and flu, and most coughs.
Antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat:
- chest infections
- ear infections in children
- sore throats
When it comes to antibiotics, take your doctor’s advice on whether you need them or not. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem – taking antibiotics when you do not need them can mean they will not work for you in the future.
Arabic/Cantonese/English/Farsi/Kurdish Leaflets available below:
Managing common infection self-care leaflet V1.1 UKHSA english
TARGET_selfcare leaflet_v1.1 UKHSA_Kurdish_Sorani
TARGET_selfcare leaflet_v1.1 UKHSA_Arabic
TARGET_selfcare leaflet_v1.1 UKHSA_Cantonese
6. Antibiotics dont cure toothache leaflet v3
TYI RTI Pic Leaflet V3.3 – Kurdish Sorani
