How do antibiotics kill viruses?

In fact, there are 2 major types of germs that cause most infections, viruses, and bacteria. And antibiotics are useful only against bacteria.

Why don’t antibiotics kill viral infections?

l  Antibiotics cannot kill viruses because viruses have different structures and replicate in a different way than bacteria.

l  Antibiotics work by targeting the growth machinery in bacteria (not viruses) to kill or inhibit those particular bacteria.

l  When you think about it structurally, it makes sense that an antibiotic could not work to kill a virus with a completely different set of replicating “machinery”.

Bacteria vs. viruses

l  There are two main types of organisms that cause infections: viruses and bacteria. Illnesses caused by viruses (especially in the nose and throat) are more common than illnesses caused by bacteria. Common illnesses caused by viruses are colds, most sore throats, and most coughs.

l  Antibiotics are strong medicines that treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics won't treat viral infections because they can't kill viruses. You'll get better when the viral infection has run its course.

l  Common illnesses caused by bacteria are urinary tract infections, strep throat, and some pneumonia. Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections by killing the bacteria that cause them.