Antibiotics only cure infections caused by bacteria
![boy holding his face and squinting as if in pain from a cold or headache](/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/COMMUNICABLEDISEASE/ANTIBIOTICRESISTANCE/PublishingImages/earache_boy_2.jpg)
Antibiotics don't work against infections caused by viruses, like a cold or the flu.
The following information sheets are helpful if you or your child have upper respiratory symptoms and aren't sure what kind of treatment you need.
Click the links below to view each information sheet (pdf format). Information sheets were created by Oregon AWARE and the Oregon Health Authority.