Allergist and Immunologist Questions Seasonal Allergies

Can antibiotic treat seasonal cough?

I am told antibiotics work when one gets a bacterial infection. However, seasonal cough and cold is triggered by viruses. Do antibiotics still work or does it subside on its own?

4 Answers

Antibiotics do not treat viral illnesses including a cough secondary to the virus. Sometimes it takes 6-8 weeks for this cough to subside.
Often seasonal cough and cold is aggravated by allergies. Is worth seeing an allergist for evaluation.
Antibiotics work for a bacterial infection. Seasonal cough most likely is triggered by seasonal allergens. So allergy treatment will help your cough.
You are correct. An antibiotic will not treat a virus. You would get better on your own.