Antibiotic treatment of non-specific upper respiratory infections in adults does not enhance illness resolution or prevent complications, and is therefore not recommended by the CDC (Center for Disease Control).

Green and/or yellow discharge (mucus) from your nose and throat is common in uncomplicated upper respiratory infections caused by viruses, and neither predicts bacterial infection onor benefits from antibiotic treatment.

The benefit of antibiotic treatment in patients with sore throats is limited to those patients who have STREP throat, diagnosed by a rapid throat swab.

Patients who have symptoms of sinus infection for less than 7 days are unlikely to have a bacterial infection requiring antibiotic therapy.

Routine antibiotic treatment of uncomplicated bronchitis is not recommended, regardless of the duration of cough.

Antibiotics are drugs with potentially serous side effects!  Taking too many or treating viruses with antibiotics can cause antiotic resistance, meaning when you are really sick witha  bacteria, the antibiotic may not work.

Link to CDC Adult Appropriate Antibiotic Use Summary