Frequently Asked Questions about Antibiotics
CDC's Frequently Asked Questions
View frequently asked questions on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
Do sinus infections need an antibiotic?
Can my body become immune to antibiotics?
If someone has "antibiotic-resistant bacteria," what does that mean for me?
What if I get sick with an antibiotic-resistance bacterial infection?
Answers
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
Do sinus infections need an antibiotic?
Sometimes. Antibiotics are needed for bacterial sinus infections. Bacteria or viruses cause sinus infections. A bacterial sinus infection may be present if cold symptoms do not improve after 10-14 days. Back to questions
Do antibacterial products (such as antibacterial soaps) prevent infections better than ordinary soaps?
Except in health care settings, antibacterial products are no better than ordinary soap for preventing infections. Hand washing for 20 seconds with ordinary soap and water will reduce the risk of most common infections and does not add to antibiotic resistance. Back to questions
Can my body become immune to antibiotics?
No. Bacteria in your body can develop a specific resistance to a specific antibiotic. Back to questions
If someone has "antibiotic-resistant bacteria," what does that mean for me?
You do not know if someone is carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not cause that person to become sick but the antibiotic-resistant bacteria could be passed to you and make you sick. Back to questions
What if I get sick with an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection?
Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections require stronger medicines, are more difficult to treat, and could require a hospital stay. For more serious infections of the blood or brain, antibiotic resistance can be life threatening. Back to questions
