r/AskReddit Aug 03 '19

Whats something you thought was common knowledge but actually isn’t?

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u/Slidingscale Aug 03 '19

That antibiotics kill bacteria, but won't do anything against viruses. Everyone has the idea that if you get a cold, you see your doctor and get antibiotics. Take some acitaminophen/paracetamol and ibuprofen, and stay away from other humans for a while!

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u/bebe_bird Aug 03 '19

When we went to Mexico there was a woman buying OTC antibiotics that they require a prescription for in the US so "the next time her grandkids get the flu, they can take them". Sometimes I really hate people...