Teladoc quiz: Antibiotics—How much do you really know?

‘Tis the season to get stuck indoors with coworkers, family, and friends because of travel delays and bad weather. This opens the door to bacteria-based infections such as food poisoning from salmonella or E. coli, strep throat, and other contagious illnesses.¹ So let’s brush up on our knowledge of antibiotics, which help fight these types of bugs.

Antibiotics: How much do you really know?

1 / 5

Strep throat is…

A) a bacterial infection

B) a viral infection

C) an infection that only children get

D) none of the above

2 / 5

To make the most of your antibiotic treatment, you should…

A) use any remaining medication from a previous infection before getting a new prescription

B) request the same type of antibiotic that has been effective in the past for you

C) take the medication until your infection clears up

D) none of the above

3 / 5

The best way to avoid a bacterial infection is to…

A) wash your hands often and thoroughly

B) avoid people who are sick

C) use antibiotics properly

D) all of the above

4 / 5

A superbug is a strain of bacteria that…

A) cannot be treated with antibiotics

B) is highly resistant to known antibiotics

C) can only be treated with an extra-large dose of antibiotics

D) are commonly found in late-model Volkswagens

5 / 5

rue or false: Some antibiotics can treat viruses as well as bacterial infections.

True

False

Your score is

The average score is 72%

This season, be sure to download the Teladoc app. You’ll be able to connect with a board-certified physician 24/7 anywhere you are for help diagnosing and treating bacterial illnesses, sinus infections, stomach bugs, viruses such as the flu, and many other non-emergency conditions. If an antibiotic or other treatment is medically necessary, the doctor can send a prescription to a pharmacy near you, whether you’re at home or out of town. (Quick tip: You can select a convenient location with the Pharmacy Finder feature in the app.) Have a safe holiday and Happy New Year!

References

¹Bacteria-based infections: Verywell Health
²Superbugs: Mayo Clinic
³MRSA infection: Medical News Today
⁴Hand sanitizer: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
⁵Streptococcal bacteria: U.S. National Library of Medicine

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