Antibiotics: When They Help-and When They Don't

A patient-friendly guide to safe antibiotic use-when they work, when they don’t, and why appropriate prescribing matters.

Overview

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections-not viruses. Using antibiotics incorrectly can cause side effects and antibiotic resistance.

Common Symptoms

  • This page is informational and not a diagnosis tool.
  • If you feel very sick, have high fever, trouble breathing, or severe pain, seek urgent evaluation.

When to Seek Care

  • Worsening symptoms or new high fever after initial viral illness
  • Severe localized pain with signs of bacterial infection
  • Clinician-confirmed bacterial infection (e.g., strep throat, certain UTIs)

Treatment Approach

  • Evidence-based prescribing when indicated
  • Supportive care recommendations for viral illnesses
  • Counseling on side effects and allergy warning signs

Insurance & Self-Pay Pricing

Lifeline Urgent Care accepts most major commercial insurance plans and offers transparent self-pay pricing for uninsured patients.
We provide affordable urgent care visits, X-rays, labs, and minor procedures with no hidden fees.

Walk in or book online for fast, local, in-network urgent care near you—same-day treatment, evenings and weekends.

Proudly Serving Houston & Surrounding Communities

Houston Core & Inner Loop

Houston Core & Inner Loop: Energy Corridor, Memorial, Memorial City, Memorial Villages, Piney Point Village, Hunters Creek, Hedwig Village, Bunker Hill Village, River Oaks, Montrose, Midtown, Downtown Houston, West University Place, Bellaire, The Heights

West & Southwest Houston

West & Southwest Houston: Westchase, Briar Forest, West Oaks, Eldridge/West Oaks, Addicks/Park Ten, Royal Oaks, Tanglewood, Galleria/Uptown, Spring Branch, Alief, Sharpstown, Chinatown/International District

Greater Houston Suburbs

Greater Houston Suburbs: Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, New Territory, Greatwood, Stafford, Missouri City, Meadows Place, Jersey Village, Cypress, Copperfield Place, Bear Creek, Brookshire, Rosenberg, Pearland, Southwest Houston, West Houston

Our Location & Hours

Lifeline Urgent Care – Houston, TX

Frequently Asked Questions

Do antibiotics treat viruses?

No. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections. Viruses require supportive care and time in most cases.

What if I feel worse after starting antibiotics?

Contact us for guidance; side effects and allergic reactions can occur.

Do you accept walk-ins?

Yes. Walk in 7 days a week, or reserve your spot online.

Get Care Today