Discuss6 marksChallenge
A patient is diagnosed with both a bacterial respiratory infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and an influenza viral infection. The doctor prescribes penicillin for the bacterial infection but explains that it will have no effect on the influenza virus.
Discuss how penicillin acts on bacteria, why antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, and two consequences of antibiotic resistance together with two steps that can be taken to reduce its impact.