A Parent's Guide to Antibiotics: When They're Needed and When They're Not 

As parents, we want to do everything we can to keep our children healthy. That includes making sure they get the right care when they're sick. But sometimes, it can be tough to know when to use antibiotics.

Antibiotics are powerful medicines that can help fight bacterial infections. But they're not always the answer. In fact, overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which means that antibiotics won't work as well when we really need them.

What are antibiotics? 

Antibiotics are medicines that kill or stop the growth of bacteria. They are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections. 

When are antibiotics needed?

Antibiotics are only needed for certain types of bacterial infections. These include:

• Strep throat

• Pneumonia

• Ear infections

• Sinusitis

• Meningitis

If you're not sure whether your child needs antibiotics, it's always best to talk to their doctor. They can help you decide if antibiotics are the right treatment for your child's infection.

When should I give my child antibiotics?

You should only give your child antibiotics if they have been prescribed by a doctor. The doctor will decide if antibiotics are necessary based on your child's symptoms and the type of infection they have.

How should I give my child antibiotics?

It is important to follow the doctor's instructions carefully when giving your child antibiotics. This includes giving the correct dose at the right time and for the full course of treatment.

What are the side effects of antibiotics?

Some common side effects of antibiotics include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if your child has any serious side effects, be sure to contact your doctor.

When are antibiotics not needed?

Antibiotics are not needed for viral infections, such as:

• Colds

• Flu

• Most sinus infections

• Most coughs

Taking antibiotics when they're not needed can actually do more harm than good. It can lead to side effects, such as diarrhea and upset stomach. It can also contribute to antibiotic resistance.

What should I do if my child is sick?

If your child is sick, it's important to see their doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your child's illness and recommend the best treatment.

Antibiotic Resistance

One of the biggest concerns about antibiotics is the issue of antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria evolve and become resistant to the antibiotics that are used to kill them. When bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, it can be very difficult to treat infections.

How can I help prevent antibiotic resistance?

You can help prevent antibiotic resistance by:

• Only taking antibiotics when they are prescribed by your doctor

• Taking antibiotics exactly as prescribed

• Never sharing antibiotics with others

Remember, antibiotics are a powerful tool that can save lives. But they should only be used when they are truly needed. By using antibiotics wisely, we can help ensure that they continue to be effective for years to come.

What can I do to help prevent my child from needing antibiotics?

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent your child from needing antibiotics:

• Wash your child's hands often with soap and water.

• Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.

• Get your child vaccinated according to the recommended schedule.

• Keep your child home from school or daycare if they are sick.

Working together

Parents and doctors can work together to ensure that antibiotics are used wisely and appropriately. By following the doctor's instructions and using antibiotics only when they are necessary, we can help to prevent antibiotic resistance and keep our children healthy.

Additional resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Antibiotic Resistance: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/antibiotic-resistance.html

• World Health Organization (WHO): Antibiotic Resistance: https://www.who.int/antimicrobial-resistance/en/