"Your Child and Antibiotics"
Unnecessary antibiotics CAN be harmful.
About antibiotics
Antibiotics are among the most powerful and important medicines
known. When used properly they can save lives, but when used improperly,
they can actually harm your child. Antibiotics should not be used
to treat viral infections.
Bacteria and viruses
Two main types of germs- bacteria and viruses- cause most infections.
In fact, viruses cause most of the sore throats and all colds. Bacterial
infections can be cured by antibiotics, but common viral infections
never are. Your child recovers from the infections when the illness
has run its course.
Resistant Bacteria
New strains of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. These
bacteria are not killed by the antibiotics. Some of the resistant
bacteria can be treated with more powerful medicines, which may
need to be given in the vein (IV) by the hospital. The more antibiotics
prescribed, the higher the chance that your child will be infected
with resistant bacteria.
How bacteria become resistant
Each time we take antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but
resistant ones may be left to grow and multiply. Repeated and improper
use of antibiotics are some of the main causes of the increase in
resistant bacteria. These resistant bacteria can also be spread
to others in the family and the community.
You can protect your child from resistant bacteria. A prescription
for parents:
Learn about the differences between bacterial and viral infections,
and talk to your doctor about them. Understand that antibiotics
should not be used for vial infections.
When are antibiotics needed, and when are they not needed?
This complicated question is best answered by your doctor, and the
answer depends on the specific diagnosis. Here are a few examples:
Ear infections: There are several types; most need antibiotics,
but some do not.
Sinus infections: Most children with thick or green mucus do not
have sinus infections. Antibiotics are needed for some long lasting
or severe cases.
Cough or bronchitis: Children rarely need antibiotics for bronchitis.
Sore throat: Most cases are caused by viruses. Only one main kind,
"strep throat," requires antibiotics. This kind must be
diagnosed by a laboratory test.
Colds: Cold are caused by viruses and may sometimes last for 2
weeks or more. Antibiotics have no effect on colds, but your doctor
may have suggestions for comfort measures while the illness runs
its course.
The infection may change
Viral infections may sometimes lead to bacterial infections. But
treating viral infections with antibiotics to prevent bacterial
infections does not work, and may lead to infections with resistant
bacteria. Keep your doctor informed if the illness gets worse or
lasts a long time, so that the proper treatment can be given, as
needed.
When your child is sick, antibiotics are not the answer.
Commonly asked questions
What can I do to protect my child from antibiotic resistant bacteria?
Use antibiotics only when your doctor has determined that they might
be effective. Antibiotics will not cure most colds, coughs, sore
throats, or runny noses - children fight off colds on their own.
If mucus from the nose changes from clear to yellow or green, does
this mean that my child needs an antibiotic?
Yellow or green mucus does not mean that your child has a bacterial
infection. It is normal for the mucus to get thick and change color
during a viral cold.
Does this mean I should never give my child antibiotics?
Antibiotics are very powerful medicines, and should only be used
to treat bacterial infections. If an antibiotic is prescribed, make
sure you take the entire course and never save the antibiotics for
later use.
How do I know if my child has a viral or bacterial infection?
Ask your doctor. If you think that your child might need treatment,
you should contact your doctor. But remember, colds are caused by
viruses, and should not be treated with antibiotics.
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