Antibiotics do not work against viruses; they only work on bacterial infections. Antibiotics do not prevent or treat COVID-19, because COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Some patients with COVID-19 may also develop a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. In that case, a healthcare professional may treat the bacterial infection with an antibiotic.

antibiotics are not effective in the treatment of COVID-19, which the new coronavirus causes. Antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections, not viruses.

If people are receiving hospital treatment for COVID-19, doctors may prescribe antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.

There are some specific treatments available for COVID-19 

Most people who become ill with COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. Some of the same things you do to feel better if you have the flu — getting enough rest, staying well hydrated, and taking medications to relieve fever and aches and pains — also help with COVID-19.

The antiviral drug was FDA approved in October 2020 to treat certain hospitalized patients with COVID-19. And scientists are working hard to develop other effective treatments. 

Most people with COVID-19 will recover on their own. There are only two specific treatments available for hospitalized COVID-19 patients; Dexamethasone and Remdesivir. Many clinical trials are currently underway, including in British Columbia – ask your doctor if any clinical trials are available in your area.

How do antibiotics work?

There are different types of antibiotic, which work in one of two ways:

  • A bactericidal antibiotic, such as penicillin, kills the bacteria. These drugs usually interfere with either the formation of the bacterial cell wall or its cell contents.
  • A bacteriostatic prevents bacteria from multiplying.

Types of treatment are available for the novel coronavirus

There currently isn’t a vaccine against developing COVID-19. Antibiotics are also ineffective because COVID-19 is a viral infection and not bacterial.

 If your symptoms are more severe, your doctor or a hospital may give you supportive treatments. This type of treatment may involve:

  • fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration
  • medication to reduce a fever
  • supplemental oxygen in more severe cases
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