COVID-19: Could antibiotics help prevent or treat COVID-19?

Antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria (a different type of germ that can sometimes cause illness).

COVID-19 is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.

In some cases with severe illness that goes on for a long time, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial infection may also be possible on top of the COVID-19 infection.  Your GP can advise you about this but it is important to know that antibiotics are only used in exceptional circumstances.

Using antibiotics inappropriately can make you unwell and increase antibiotic resistance.  This means if in the future you need an antibiotic for a bacterial infection, it may not work. This is a very serious risk.