Siobhan is right. Antiobiotics are for bacterial infections, not viral. The cold is (and the flu also is) a viral infection. There are antiviral drugs but it is better to allow non-life threatening viral infections run their course. (Yes, even chicken pox.) Otherwise we breed "superflu bugs". In my former life as a pharmacy technican, I saw a great many people getting antibiotic after antibiotic through the winter. These people were *consequently* always sick. Speaking of chicken pox, what the hell are they thinking with this chicken pox vax? One of it's possible side effects is SHINGLES in INFANTS!!! I realize that varicella zoster lays dormant in the body after naturally-acquired chicken pox infection and can resurface in old age as painful shingles....but for an infant to endure this condition? Cruelty in the name of modern science. Please parents, don't give your kids the chicken pox vax!!! They are children, not guinea pigs! Stacie