Explain why antibiotics cannot be used to treat a patient who has been diagnosed with influenza.

OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247) — B6.3 Monitoring and maintaining health · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Influenza is a communicable disease caused by a virus that spreads through droplets in the air. Doctors are advised not to prescribe antibiotics to patients presenting with influenza symptoms.

Model answer (4 marks)

Antibiotics only kill bacteria, not viruses.
Influenza is caused by a virus, not a bacterium.
Antivirals, not antibiotics, should be used to treat viral diseases.
Unnecessary antibiotic use contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Examiner tips

Use the exact phrase ‘kill bacteria, not viruses’ to show understanding of mechanism.
Mention that influenza is viral to justify why antibiotics are ineffective.
Explain that antivirals are the appropriate treatment for viral infections.
Highlight the risk of antibiotic resistance to show full awareness of consequences.

Common mistakes

Saying antibiotics work on viruses – they do not.
Forgetting to mention that influenza is viral.
Failing to note the link between unnecessary antibiotics and resistance.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Antibiotics only kill bacteria (not viruses)
Influenza is caused by a virus, not a bacterium
Antivirals should be used instead to treat viral diseases
Prescribing antibiotics unnecessarily contributes to antibiotic resistance

Key terms in this question

antibiotic