155k views
2 votes
Why does the word antibiotic suggest that these medications would be ineffective against viruses?

1 Answer

7 votes

Answer:

Antibiotics cannot kill viruses because bacteria and viruses have different mechanisms and machinery to survive and replicate. The antibiotic has no “target” to attack in a virus. However, antiviral medications and vaccines are specific for viruses.

User NOr
by
6.9k points