What is the relationship between viruses and antibiotics?

• A. Antibiotics kill viruses
• B. Antibiotics strengthen viruses
• C. Antibiotics cure viral infections
• D. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses

Answer: (D)

Antibiotics target bacteria by disrupting their specific structures or processes, such as cell walls or bacterial ribosomes. Viruses aren’t cells and they replicate inside our own cells using the host’s machinery, so they don’t have the features antibiotics act on. Because of that, antibiotics do not affect viral replication and cannot cure viral infections. For viruses, antiviral medications are used instead, targeting particular steps in a virus’s life cycle. Misusing antibiotics for viral infections can lead to resistance and unnecessary side effects, though they may be appropriate if a bacterial infection coexists or is suspected.