# 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

> 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.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

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

## Key terms

- [antibiotic](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/antibiotic)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-antibiotics-cannot-be-used-352321a2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.