What are the general recommendations for antibiotic use?

The recommendation to use antibiotics only when necessary and to avoid their use for viral infections is correct because antibiotics are specifically designed to target bacterial infections and are ineffective against viruses. Overusing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, a significant public health concern where bacteria evolve and become resistant to treatments. This can make future infections harder to treat and can result in more severe illnesses.

Additionally, the importance of completing a full course of antibiotics is primarily aimed at bacterial infections. However, if antibiotics are misused for viral infections, this can lead to unnecessary side effects and contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, the prudent approach is to reserve antibiotics for confirmed or highly suspected bacterial infections and not to use them when a viral infection is present.

This recommendation helps ensure that antibiotics remain effective for those who truly need them and minimizes the risk of resistance developing in the population.