Sure! Let’s break it down simply:
What are antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria or stop them from growing. They are used to treat bacterial infections, like strep throat, urinary tract infections, or pneumonia.They do not work against viruses (like the flu, COVID-19, or the common cold).
How do they work?
Different antibiotics target bacteria in different ways:
- Attack the cell wall (e.g., penicillin) – bacteria can’t survive without their wall.
- Block protein production – bacteria can’t grow or reproduce.
- Stop DNA replication – prevents bacteria from multiplying.
Types of antibiotics
- Broad-spectrum: Work against many kinds of bacteria (useful when the exact germ isn’t known).
- Narrow-spectrum: Target specific bacteria (better when the exact germ is identified).
Why can’t we overuse them?
Using antibiotics when they aren’t needed can cause antibiotic resistance – bacteria evolve to survive the drug, making infections harder (sometimes impossible) to treat.That’s why doctors only prescribe them when necessary, and it’s important to finish the full course even if you feel better.