25 Common Beliefs That Are Totally Wrong

Drugs that kill viruses

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The Antibiotic Misconception Many believe antibiotics can cure any infection, including viral ones like colds or flu. This is a dangerous myth. Antibiotics are made to fight bacteria, not viruses, fungi, or parasites, and using them incorrectly can cause serious problems. Viruses are fundamentally different from bacteria. Bacteria are living organisms that antibiotics can destroy, but viruses aren't alive in the same way. They hijack host cells to multiply, making them tough to target with standard drugs. Viral infections often need antiviral medications, which work by blocking the virus's ability to replicate.

Misusing antibiotics for viral issues not only fails to help but also fuels antibiotic resistance, where bacteria evolve to resist treatment. This makes infections harder to treat over time. To prevent this, only use antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor and follow their guidance strictly.