Children usually don’t need antibiotics to treat respiratory illness. As a matter of fact , antibiotics may do more harm than good when given in these cases. That is why doctors do not usually prescribe antibiotics when your child has a runny nose, cough or common cold.

Antibiotics fights bacteria not viruses.

If your child has a bacterial infection , antibiotics can help but if your child has a viral infection, antibiotics will not help your child feel  better or keep others from getting sick.

The common cold is a viral infection. Chest colds such as bronchitis are usable caused by viral infections. Most sinus infections are also caused by viruses.

Some cases of flu are both viral and bacterial. In these cases, antibiotics may be needed. Some bacteria can also cause sinus infections. However the infection usually clears up in a week or two by itself. Many common ear infections also clears up without antibiotics.

Some sore throats like strep throat is a bacterial infection and as a result the doctor will prescribe antibiotics if needed.

Risks associated with antibiotics

Side effects from antibiotics are common reasons  why children go to the emergency room. They can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Some kids have allergies to the medication. The misuse or overuse of antibiotics can also cause them not to work well. This is known as antibiotics resistance.

When does a child need antibiotics ?

Your child may need antibiotics if :

• A cough does not get better in 14 days
• Symptoms of sinus infection do not get better in 10 days or they get better and then worse again.
• A bacterial form of pneumonia and whooping cough ( pertussis) is diagnosed .
• Your child has yellow – green nasal discharge  and a fever of at least 102  F for several days in a row.
• Your child has strep throat, based on a rapid strep test or a throat culture. If strep throat has not be diagnosed with a test, no antibiotics should be given.
• For infants younger than 3 months of age, call your pediatrician for any fever above 100.4° F. Very young infants can have serious infections that might need antibiotics.