This post was inspired by a comment on a previous post about how  “it is common medical advice not to prescribe antibiotics for common ailments such as a sinus infection especially in light of the dangers of antibiotic resistant viruses.” I agree, a responsible doctor won’t prescribe antibiotics for a virus because viruses don’t respond to antibiotics.

With this in mind, I’ve put together a collection of helpful links and found a chart (because charts are cool) to help clarify the differences between bacteria, viruses and fungi, and when antibiotics should be used.

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• Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection via the Mayo Clinic
• What’s the difference between a bacterial infection and a viral infection? via the Mayo Clinic

• Antibiotics: Misuse puts you and others at risk via the Mayo Clinic

• Bacterial and Viral Infections via WebMd

• What are Germs? via KidsHealth.org

• Modern Medicine: Towards Prevention, Cure, Well-being and Longevity via http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• Cucumbers cause cholera via Kindism.org

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Please remember, this is intended to offer people support, ideas, and resources. It is not in any way intended to be a substitute for medical advice or care. Please see a health care professional if you have concerns, especially if your concern is serious!