When a person is "infectious", it means they're able to pass their infection on to others.

You're usually no longer infectious 24 hours after starting a course of antibiotics, but this time period can sometimes vary.

For example, the antibiotics may take longer to work if your body takes longer to absorb them, or if you're taking other medicine that interacts with the antibiotics.

Medical advice

Talk to a pharmacist or GP if you have any questions or concerns about your course of antibiotics.

It's important to finish your course of antibiotics, even if you're no longer infectious and feeling better. Not finishing the course may result in the infection returning.

Further information

• Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?
• Can I take paracetamol if I'm on antibiotics?
• What if I miss a dose of antibiotics?
• Medicines information