Question

sabrina has the flu. sabrinas neighbor suggests that she get a prescription for an antibiotic, but sabrinas mother says that antibiotics would not help in this situation. why?
○ a. the flu is caused by a parasitic worm, and it must be treated with an antihelmintic medication.
○ b. the flu is caused by a fungus, and it must be treated with an antifungal medication.
○ c. the flu is caused by a virus, and it cannot be treated with an antibiotic.
○ d. the flu is caused by a bacterium, and it cannot be treated with an antibiotic.

Explanation:

Antibiotics are effective against bacteria. The flu is caused by a virus. Viruses have different structures and replication mechanisms than bacteria. Antibiotics target bacterial processes (like cell - wall synthesis, protein synthesis in bacteria). Since viruses lack these bacterial - specific targets, antibiotics do not work on viruses.

Answer:

C. The flu is caused by a virus, and it cannot be treated with an antibiotic.