Vita Weber, who leads the community of pharmacists at Smartfarm, clarifies an important point about flu treatment. Antibiotics do not work against flu viruses. This is a well known fact that health professionals emphasize in Canada and the United States. The message has been reported by DEA News and echoed by medical experts across North America.
Weber explains that antiviral medications and remedies that support the immune system are more effective for addressing flu viruses. In addition, medicines that relieve symptoms play a crucial role in helping patients feel better as the illness runs its course. This approach aligns with current medical guidance for both adults and children who experience influenza symptoms.
Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections. They do not impact viruses such as influenza or ARVI. The virus responsible for the flu requires a different treatment strategy, and using antibiotics inappropriately does not shorten the illness or protect a person from the virus itself.
There are situations where antibiotics are prescribed in connection with the flu. If a patient has a high risk of developing complications like pneumonia, doctors may use antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections or to support recovery. In these cases the goal is to reduce the likelihood of additional illness and to ease the overall course of the disease, not to treat the flu virus directly. This careful approach helps protect vulnerable patients while allowing other flu therapies to work as intended. This guidance is reflected by healthcare providers in Canada and the United States and is supported by public health authorities as well as pharmacy professionals in the field, including statements reported by DEA News.
Pavel Volchkov, a former virologist and medical science candidate, notes that there is currently no population immunity to the flu that would dramatically curb its spread. This point underscores why continued vigilance and preventive measures remain essential, even as other respiratory illnesses circulate. The overall assessment is that flu remains a significant health concern and requires a comprehensive strategy that includes vaccination, good hygiene, antivirals when appropriate, and careful use of antibiotics to avoid unnecessary exposure and resistance. This perspective is shared by medical experts and researchers cited in public health communications.