University Health Services is launching an effort to educate students about proper antibiotic use to prevent antibiotic-resistant infections this cold and flu season.

Please note, antibiotics will not help if you are ill with these viral infections:
• Cold
• Flu
• Acute bronchitis
• Runny nose
• Most coughs
• Most sore throats
• And most sinus and ear infections

If you are sick with one of these viral infections, ask your clinician which over-the-counter medicines will work best or visit UHS’ general medical advice page.

When used correctly, antibiotics are useful and important medicines. However, taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can increase a person’s risk of getting a resistant infection, which can call for more serious treatment, including hospital stays.