Runny nose, fever, sore throat. You’ve got the flu symptoms, and you are unsure if antibiotics can help to treat your flu.
But antibiotics fights bacteria and doesn't work against viruses. Challenge yourself to this quiz to see how well you understand antibiotics.
Take this quiz to find out what you should and shouldn’t do!
Q: You’re feverish and are experiencing flu symptoms. What do you do?
Drink more water
Pop antibiotics
See a doctor
Get plenty of rest
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Flu is a viral infection, so taking antibiotics will not treat your flu because they don’t work on viruses. Antibiotics work on bacterial infection.
Flu is a viral infection, so taking antibiotics will not treat your flu. Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections.
Q: It’s been 3 days and you can’t wait to get rid of the flu. You think there is no harm in taking antibiotics to speed up your recovery.
Yes
No
Flu symptoms typically resolve by themselves within 3 to 7 days. If you are still feeling unwell, you should see a doctor. Antibiotics may lose its long-term effectiveness when taken unnecessarily – they won’t work when you really need it in the future!
Flu symptoms typically resolve by themselves within 3 to 7 days. If you are still feeling unwell, you should see a doctor. Antibiotics may lose its long-term effectiveness when taken unnecessarily – they won’t work when you really need them in future!
Q: Which of the following is an indication that your illness is caused by bacteria or virus?
Vomiting
High fever
Persistent coughing
Sore throat
It may be difficult to determine the cause of an infection as both bacterial and viral infections can trigger similar symptoms. It is best to consult a doctor.
Q: You feel better before finishing the prescribed dosage for bacterial infection. You can stop taking antibiotics and save the rest for another time.
You should heed your doctor’s advice to finish the prescribed dosage. If you still have leftover antibiotics, discard them!
Q: Your loved one thinks you’ve contracted a bacterial infection, and offers you antibiotics. Will you take it?
Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can cause bacteria in your body to become resistant to drugs. Illnesses caused by drug-resistant bugs are harder or impossible to treat – which can lead to disability and even death. Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor.
Congratulations, you now know how to manage your flu as well as have a better understanding on the correct use of antibiotics. To learn more, click here
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