infectious disease team of three men and two women standing outside

Antimicrobial Stewardship team, from left, Jack Menzagopian, PharmD; Richelle Guerrero-Wooley, MD; Alvaro Galvis, MD, PhD, FAAP; Noreen Chan Tompkins, PharmD, BCPS, APh; and Anthony Huynh, PharmD

Latest update: November 17, 2025

Taking or prescribing antibiotics should be considered with caution — they aren’t always the answer.

Infectious disease clinicians with Loma Linda University Health Antimicrobial Stewardship, provide these points to remember:

Protect yourself and others through prevention techniques to reduce the spread of viruses

  • Wash hands regularly
  • Wear a mask if you have symptoms.
  • Get the flu & COVID-19 shot every year. Speak with your healthcare provider about your eligibility.
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is recommended for infants born in RSV season, pregnant women, and older adults. Speak with a healthcare provider to determine if you are eligible to get the RSV vaccine.
  • If you are experiencing fever, sore throat, or cough, stay home and self-quarantine.
  • Unnecessary use of antibiotics lessens their effectiveness.

Antibiotics only treat certain bacterial infections

  • The common cold, flu & COVID-19 are caused by viruses. Antibiotics will not help.
  • Not all cases of ear infection and sore throat require antibiotics. (And the color of mucus is not an indicator.) Speak with your physician.
  • Your physician may be able to run tests to decide if antibiotics are needed.

To help relieve a viral infection such as a cold or the flu:

  • Target symptom relief while the illness naturally runs its course.
  • Speak with a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Antibiotics, like all medications, may create side effects

  • Complications can range from mild reactions such as nausea, rash, or diarrhea to serious conditions such as life-threatening allergic reactions and/or diarrhea called C. difficile
  • One in five antibiotic-related visits to an Emergency Room are due to adverse drug reactions.

If interested in reading more, turn to reliable sources like the CDC’s Antibiotic Prescribing and Use website. To learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your family during the flu season, visit our flu page at lluh.org/flu.