Antibiotic

An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria. It is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections, and antibiotic medications are widely used in the treatment and prevention of such infections. They may either kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. A limited number of antibiotics also possess anti protozoal activity. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses such as the common cold or influenza[citation needed]; drugs which inhibit viruses are termed antiviral drugs or antivirals rather than antibiotics.