<i>What's your antibiotics IQ?</i>

Think you need an antibiotic? Keep these four tips in mind:
1. You do not need antibiotics every time you are sick. Antibiotics are effective only for bacterial infections. They do not work for viral illnesses, such as the common cold.
2. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Do not stop treatment early, even if you start feeling better.
3. Do not take antibiotics that were prescribed for someone else.
4. Protect yourself from infection in the first place. Plain soap and water can kill germs in most settings.