Do I really need antibiotics?

World AMR Awareness Week runs from 18 to 24 November 2026. AMR stands for antimicrobial resistance. It happens when bacteria and other germs change so the medicines used to treat them stop working.

Antibiotics are some of the most important medicines we have. Keeping them working is something all of us can help with, starting with a simple question: do I really need antibiotics for this?

What antibiotics can and can't treat

Antibiotics work against bacteria. They don't treat infections caused by viruses, such as:

• colds, flu and COVID-19

• bronchitis and most coughs

• most sore throats and ear infections

Many infections get better without antibiotics, even some caused by bacteria. Taking an antibiotic you don't need won't make you feel better or recover sooner. It can raise your chance of side effects like nausea and diarrhoea.

Coloured mucus is not a sign of a bacterial infection. It is a sign your immune system is working to fight the infection.

Why resistance matters

Taking an antibiotic when it isn't needed, or for longer than you should, can help bacteria become resistant. If those bacteria later cause an infection, the antibiotic may not work properly.

Resistant bacteria can spread from person to person. That means you can be affected even if you haven't taken antibiotics yourself.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care says Australians use a large amount of antibiotics compared with many similar countries. Infections caused by resistant bacteria can last longer and have more complications. Some simple infections that were once treated at home with tablets now need hospital care with antibiotics through a drip.

Vaccination helps too. By preventing infections in the first place, vaccines reduce the need for antibiotics.

Questions to ask your doctor

If you are unwell, these questions can help you and your doctor decide together:

• Do we need to test the cause of my infection?

• How long should my recovery take?

• What are the risks and benefits of taking antibiotics?

• Will an antibiotic affect my regular medicines?

• How should I take it, how often and for how long?

What you can do at home

• Never take leftover antibiotics or give them to someone else. They may not be right for that infection.

• Return leftover antibiotics to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

• Don't keep antibiotic repeats in case you get sick again. Talk to your doctor each time.

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist what you can do to ease your symptoms.

Nausea and diarrhoea are common side effects of antibiotics. An allergic reaction is different. Swelling of the lips, tongue or face, wheezing or trouble breathing needs urgent medical help. Call Triple Zero (000).

Talk to us

If you are unwell and not sure whether you need antibiotics, book an appointment to talk it through. Call our team on 02 6953 4333 or book online through HotDoc.

Source

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, Do I really need antibiotics? (fact sheet, 2023): https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/aura_2023_do_i_really_need_antibiotics.pdf

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, World AMR Awareness Week 2026 consumer quiz with answers: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-09/world-amr-awareness-week-2026-consumer-quiz-with-answers.PDF

World Health Organization, World AMR Awareness Week 2026: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-amr-awareness-week/world-amr-awareness-week-2026

This article is general health information. It is not advice about your own circumstances.