when is it appropriate to take an antibiotic?

You really should not take antibiotics at all unless you really have to. Antibiotics kill the bad infection bacteria, but the problem is that it can also kill our good a bacteria in our bodies. The bacteria that helps to fight our invading bad bacteria.

Yes antibiotics are for bacterial infections only, but just to add in what had been said,there are antibiotic that are more effective for gram+ bacteria and antibiotics that are more effective against gram- bacteria, there are also antibiotics that are effective for both types so they are termed as broad spectrum antibiotics.

Most of the doctors today are very strict in giving prescription in the use of antibiotics even in a small health inconvenience that we have. They evaluated it thoroughly before making decision. Not all sickness can be treated with antibiotics. Even a simple flu can never be remedied by the use of antibiotics. It is only most commendable in a very serious health condition when taking antibiotics in tablets or vials is necessary.

Basically, our body can heal itself through its wide range of defenses composed of white blood cells and antibodies. Our body is the best doctor. If we provide our body the nutrients it needs, it will be able to ward off foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. But there are times when we don't get enough nutrients to nourish our body, when we are also afflicted with too much stress and toxins from our polluted environment, our elaborate system of defenses give up. That's the appropriate time to seek outside help, from antibiotics and antivirals.

Yes. Antibiotic means antibacterial. So it only works on bacteria. I agree with Melissadawnowens. I posted a discussion on "Hospital Interests" this week - ON TAKING ANTIBIOTICS. It's actually a blog already. You may want to check it out.