Antibiotics 101: When they help and when they don’t
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STATE COLLEGE -- When you're feeling miserable, it's natural to want something that will make you feel better -- and fast. A lingering cough, stuffy nose or sore throat can leave you wondering whether you need an antibiotic. But antibiotics aren't a cure-all, and taking one when it isn't needed can do more harm than good.
With Antibiotic Awareness Week coming up later this month (November 18, 2026, through November 24, 2026), now is an ideal time to take a closer look at when antibiotics can help, when they won't and why using them correctly matters.
Antibiotics work against bacteria, not viruses. Common illnesses such as colds, the flu and most cases of bronchitis are viral, meaning antibiotics won't make them go away faster. Even a runny nose with thick, discolored mucus isn't always a sign of a bacterial infection. Because some bacterial illnesses can improve on their own, the decision to use an antibiotic should always be made with a health care provider.
"Patients understandably want to feel better as quickly as possible when they're sick, but an antibiotic is not always the right treatment," said Brianna Shaffer-Kunes, MD, a family medicine provider with Penn Highlands Healthcare. "The first step is determining what is causing the illness. When an antibiotic is appropriate, taking the right medication exactly as prescribed can help treat the infection while minimizing unnecessary risks."
Don't save antibiotics for later
It may be tempting to keep leftover antibiotics in case a similar illness develops in the future, but doing so can be dangerous. The medication may not target the specific cause of a new infection, and taking the wrong drug can delay proper treatment. Also, antibiotics should never be shared with another person, even if their symptoms appear similar.
If antibiotics are prescribed, always take them as directed by your health care provider. Do not save unused medication for another illness or take antibiotics prescribed to someone else. If you have leftover medication, ask your pharmacist or health care provider about safe ways to properly dispose of it.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to survive medications designed to kill them. It does not mean a person’s body becomes resistant to antibiotics; rather, the bacteria itself has become resistant, making infections more difficult to treat. Resistant infections can sometimes require more complicated treatments and can spread to others.
Every time antibiotics are used, there is an opportunity for resistant bacteria to develop. That is why using antibiotics only when they are needed is important.
"Antibiotics are valuable medications, but they need to be used thoughtfully," said Dr. Shaffer-Kunes. "Taking an antibiotic when it isn't needed offers no benefit, but it can expose you to side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Using them appropriately protects you and the effectiveness of these medications for the future."
How Penn Highlands Healthcare Can Help
When you're feeling under the weather, knowing where to turn for an accurate diagnosis and effective care can make all the difference. Penn Highlands Healthcare providers can evaluate symptoms, determine whether an infection may require antibiotics and help patients understand how to use medications safely.
Whether you visit a primary care clinic or QCare walk-in clinic, their medical teams carefully diagnose your symptoms to determine whether an illness is viral or bacterial. If antibiotics are necessary, their providers and retail pharmacists ensure you receive the precise medication and guidance needed for a safe, speedy recovery.
To learn more, or to find a primary care provider, QCare clinic or retail pharmacy near you, visit phhealthcare.org.