Why should antibiotics be avoided for viral infections?

Antibiotics should be avoided for viral infections primarily because they are ineffective against viruses. Antibiotics are designed to target bacteria, and their mechanisms of action are based on the biological differences between bacterial and human cells. Since viruses do not possess the same cellular structures and processes as bacteria, antibiotics do not have any impact on viral replication or infection.

This principle is vital for antimicrobial stewardship, as the inappropriate use of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve to become resistant to these drugs. This resistance poses a significant public health threat, making bacterial infections harder to treat.

While antibiotics may be costly and can lead to side effects, these considerations are secondary to their absolute ineffectiveness against viral infections. The key takeaway is that antibiotics should only be used when there is a confirmed bacterial infection, ensuring that their preservation is maintained for situations where they are truly needed. Similarly, while availability may vary across regions, this factor does not directly relate to the inapplicability of antibiotics for treating viral infections.