Antibiotics for Cold, Flu and COVID-19
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Antibiotics for cold, flu and COVID-19 do not work
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections. Colds, COVID-19 and the flu are viral infections, so antibiotics won’t help. Using antibiotics when you have these illnesses can lead to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria.
There are a few ways to help prevent colds, flu and COVID-19
- Wash your hands with plain soap for 20 seconds
- Get your COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu shot
- Stay home when you are sick
- Visit the BCCDC website for more information on preventing COVID-19
How can I treat colds and the flu?
The best way to recover from a cold or flu is to drink plenty of fluids, get rest, and give your body time to do its job.
Do I have COVID-19?
If you experience any of these symptoms, stay home and contact your healthcare provider. You may just have a cold or the flu but stay home to keep others safe. Here is a link to the BC COVID-19 Self-assessment Tool.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include new or worsening:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
- Headache
- Body aches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. Sometimes people with COVID-19 have mild illness, but their symptoms may suddenly worsen in a few days.
Go to an urgent care clinic or emergency department if you:
- find it hard to breathe
- have chest pain
- can’t drink anything
- feel very sick
- feel confused
Resources
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Antibiotics, Cold and Flu Video
Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and can be life-saving. But, antibiotics won’t kill viruses like cold and flu.
![](https://antibioticwise.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/say-naaah-cold-flu-poster-thumb.jpg)
Say Naaah Poster
A poster suitable for doctor’s offices, community centres and other public locations. Open up and think twice about antibiotics.
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Choosing Wisely – Cold and Flu
Antibiotics don’t help most respiratory infections, and they can even be harmful. See ways you can help treat symptoms from colds and flu without unnecessary antibiotics.
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Guide to Wise Use of Antibiotics
Booklet with information on antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, and managing common illnesses.