How do antibiotics work against bacterial infections, and why do they not work on viruses?
Quick Answer
Antibiotics attack bacterial structures or functions that human cells do not have, such as cell walls or specific enzymes. Viruses do not have those targets, so antibiotics do not affect them.
The Full Story
Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria or stop them from multiplying by interfering with their cell walls, protein production, or DNA processes. Because viruses use human cells to replicate and do not have the same structures as bacteria, antibiotics cannot cure viral illnesses like colds, flu, or COVID-19. This is why taking antibiotics for a viral infection does not help and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. The first widely used antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Antibiotic resistance is now a major global health threat, making correct use essential.
Key Facts
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"Why antibiotics can save you from one infection but not another"
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