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Antibiotics for colds — the evidence
The common cold is viral, and antibiotics do nothing to viruses. They add side effects and drive resistance. The only time antibiotics belong in the picture is a bacterial complication — an ear infection, sinusitis that has gone on for weeks, or pneumonia — and that is a clinician's call.
Lo que dice la evidencia
Verdict: Harmful. The common cold is viral, and antibiotics do nothing to viruses. They add side effects and drive resistance. The only time antibiotics belong in the picture is a bacterial complication — an ear infection, sinusitis that has gone on for weeks, or pneumonia — and that is a clinician's call.
Qué hacer de verdad
Do not ask for them and do not use leftovers. The change that means "see a doctor" is not the runny nose but the second phase: getting better, then worse again with a fever, or symptoms dragging past 10-14 days.
Source: NICE CKS — common cold · checked 2026-09-07
Referencia de autocuidado, no consejo médico. Niños, adultos mayores, embarazo y cualquiera con una condición de larga duración deberían tener un umbral más bajo para llamar a un clínico. Síntomas graves o que empeoran, dificultad para respirar o confusión: busca ayuda médica.