County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
E-Mail:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov
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Acute Communicable Disease Control
Antibiotic Resistance Education
Types of Germs: Differences Between Viruses and Bacteria
Viruses
Bacteria
Viruses
are very small germs.
Bacteria
are germs that are larger than viruses
Viruses cause
illnesses like the cold or flu.
<Bacteria cause
illnesses like strep throat
Antibiotics
don't work to treat viral infections.
Antibiotics
are used to treat bacterial infections.
Viral illnesses can
be treated with over-the-counter medicines to help you
feel better. Talk to your doctor to find out what
kind of medicine is best for you.
Make sure you take the full
course of antiobiotics as prescribed by your doctor
until it's all gone.
I'm sick! What's causing it! Do I need antibiotics?
Antibiotics are strong medicines but they don’t cure all illnesses. Remember
that antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial illnesses. Read the chart
and know what causes each illness and if antibiotics are needed or not. Talk
to your doctor to find out what kind of medicine is best for you.
Illness
Usual Cause
Antibiotic
Needed?
Virus
Bacteria
Cold
X
No
Flu
X
No
Chest Cold
X
No
Bronchitis
X
No
Yellow/Green Runny Nose
X
No
Cough
X
No
Sinus Infection
X
X
Maybe*
Ear Infection
X
X
Maybe*
Pneumonia
X
X
Usually*
Strep Throat
X
Yes
Non-strep Throat
X
No
* If the illness is caused
by a bacterial infection
