Question

Why are antibiotics not effective against 'common cold' and 'flu'?

Answer 1

Antibiotics:

1. ​Antibiotics are not effective against viruses like it is effective against bacteria.
   
2. Antibiotic drugs kill bacteria by disrupting their cell walls or the protein synthesis.
   
3. But the viral envelope is made up of protein coat which encloses the genetic material and it does not represent the cellular structure of a bacteria.
   
4. The common cold, as well as flu, is a viral infection caused by rhinovirus.
   
5. This is why the antibiotics are not effective against viruses.