"The most common thing I hear from patients is that they need antibiotics (like a Z-pack) to treat their cold," Natasha Bhuyan, MD, a family medicine physician based in Phoenix, AZ, and regional medical director at One Medical told POPSUGAR. "Taking antibiotics will not help cure a cold because colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are intended to treat bacterial infections. While some complications from cold and flu, like bacteria pneumonia, do require antibiotics, taking them for the common cold will do little to relieve symptoms or shorten the lifespan of a cold. If you're feeling feverish or achy, try an over-the-counter pain reliever.