What's the difference between a virus and a bacterium?
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Bacteria are living single-celled organisms that can reproduce independently; many are harmless or beneficial. Viruses are non-living genetic packages that must hijack host cells to replicate. Antibiotics work on bacteria only and do nothing for viral infections like colds or flu.
Practically, this means a cold, most sore throats, bronchitis and flu do not improve faster with antibiotics — you get the side effects and resistance risk without the benefit.
Testing can distinguish them when it matters: throat swabs for streptococcal infection, blood counts and cultures, or rapid antigen tests for influenza and COVID-19.
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