What Are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines that treat infections caused by bacteria, a type of germ. Some bacteria are good for our bodies, but others cause illness. Bacterial infections happen when harmful bacteria enter the body and multiply.
How Do Antibiotics Work?
Antibiotic (an-ty-by-AH-tik) medicines treat infections by killing bacteria or stopping them from growing and multiplying. Bacteria are different from other kinds of germs (like viruses and fungi). Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria. That means they won’t work against illnesses like colds or the flu.
What Are the Types of Antibiotics?
Antibiotics come in different forms. Doctors might prescribe them as:
- liquids or pills that are swallowed
- topical creams (applied to skin). Many of these are also available without a prescription at drugstores and superstores.
- injections (shots) given directly into the muscle
- a special liquid form put into an IV line (into a vein). IV antibiotics are usually given (or at least started) in the hospital. Kids can also safely get IV treatment at home.
What Problems Can Antibiotics Treat?
Many infections and other problems caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, including:
- skin infections like impetigo and abscesses
- severe acne
- Lyme disease
- bacterial pneumonia
- strep throat
- sinus infections caused by bacteria
- urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- some ear infections
- sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea