What is the primary purpose of an antibiotic?

• A. A vaccine used to prevent viral diseases
• B. A medicine used to save lives because it destroys harmful bacteria and cures infections
• C. A pain medication for everyday aches
• D. A treatment for viruses like the flu

Answer: (B)

Antibiotics are medicines that target bacteria, not viruses. Their main purpose is to treat bacterial infections by killing the bacteria or stopping them from multiplying, which helps the immune system clear the infection and can save lives in serious cases. They do not work against viruses, so they won’t cure illnesses like the flu or a common cold, and vaccines are used to prevent those viral infections rather than treat them. Pain medications address symptoms like aches and do not treat the underlying bacterial infection. It’s also important to use antibiotics as prescribed and finish the full course to reduce the risk of bacteria becoming resistant.