Testing item for Nurses (Chart)

Viruses or Bacteria
What’s got you sick?

Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria. Viral
illnesses cannot be treated with antibiotics. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they
won’t help you, and the side effects could still cause harm.

Common Cause
Common Condition
Bacteria

Bacteria
or Virus

Virus

Are
Antibiotics
Needed?

Common cold/runny nose

No

Sore throat (except strep)

No

Flu

No

Acute bronchitis/chest cold

No1

Sinus infection

Maybe

Pneumonia

Yes

Strep throat

Yes

Urinary tract infection

Yes2

1. In residents without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other chronic lung diseases.
2. Except in cases of a positive test without symptoms.

To learn more about antibiotic
prescribing and use, visit
www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use.