Science Common Sense

1041 - What is the difference between a vaccine and an antibiotic?

A vaccine and an antibiotic are two different kinds of medicines.

A vaccine helps prevent you from getting sick in the first place. It teaches your body how to fight a specific disease, like the flu or measles. You get a vaccine before you get sick to keep you healthy.

An antibiotic is a medicine you take after you're already sick with a bacterial infection. It helps kill the bad bacteria that's making you sick.

Think of it like this: vaccines are like putting on a shield to protect you from getting sick, while antibiotics are like a special kind of medicine that helps your body fight off the bad guys after they've already invaded.