Germs and antibiotics
Germs are tiny living things that can make you sick. Some are so tiny that millions could fit...
On your pen or pencil
On the head of a pin
Or even under your fingernail
There are many different kinds of germs. Some germs are called bacteria and some are called viruses.
Antibiotics are medications used only for bacteria. They make us feel better by killing bacteria or stopping them from multiplying.
To help reduce the spread of germs
Keep your hands clean
- before you eat or touch any food
- after touching or feeding pets and animals
- after you go to the bathroom
- when you come home from school or from playing
- after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose
Did you know?
Most ear infections get better without antibiotics.
Most colds, sore throats and the flu are caused by viruses. Antibiotics cannot treat infections caused by viruses.
Not taking your antibiotics as prescribed can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic resistance means that when you really need them, antibiotics might not work.
To learn more visit: www.canada.ca/antibiotics
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