When can antibiotics hurt more than help?

Michael B. Dahl, MD on behalf of Menorah Medical Center

Internal Medicine

Antibiotics can ‘hurt” by allowing bacteria that have randomly mutated against that antibiotic’s mechanism to grow in number. These “resistant bacteria will continue to grow and spread, and if the same antibiotic is used again the bacteria will be unphased.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Some people may say there's no harm in taking antibiotics if you feel bad, but if you're fighting off a viral infection like the flu, antibiotics can hurt you more than they can help. That's because overtreating with antibiotics can cause collateral damage. You'll kill off all the bacterial allies in your gut and leave the evil virus untouched. If you do have to take antibiotics for a bacterial infection, protect your gut by eating probiotics, simple foods low down on the food chain that bacteria love and that can help reduce inflammation.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.