Antibiotics

What are antibiotics?

Antibiotics are powerful and important medications used to treat certain illnesses. When used properly they can save lives, but used improperly, they may actually harm your child.

Two main types of germs -- bacteria and viruses -- cause most infections. It is important to understand that antibiotics should not be used for viral infections, and equally important for parents to learn about the differences between bacterial and viral infections.

• Viruses cause disorders such as:

• most coughs
• most sore throats
• all colds
• all influenza

Antibiotics cannot cure viral infections. Your child usually recovers from these common viral infections when the illness has run its course. 

• Bacteria cause disorders such as:

• most ear infections
• some sinus infections
• strep throat
• urinary tract infection

Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can be harmful because it contributes to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Antibiotics should not be used to treat viral infections.

Use antibiotics only when your child's physician has determined that they might be effective.

Antibiotics will not cure most colds, coughs, sore throats, or runny noses -- children usually recover from colds on their own.

Yellow or green mucus does not necessarily mean that your child has a bacterial infection. It is normal for the mucus to get thick and change color during a viral cold.

If an antibiotic is prescribed, make sure you take the entire course and never save antibiotics for later use.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

Most bacterial infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics.

When are antibiotics needed?

This complicated question, which should be answered by your child's physician, depends on the specific diagnosis. For example, there are several types of ear infections -- most need antibiotics, but some do not. Most cases of sore throat are caused by viruses. One kind, strep throat, diagnosed by a laboratory test, requires antibiotics.

Viral infections can sometimes lead to bacterial infections. However, treating viral infections with antibiotics in order to prevent bacterial infections is not recommended, and may lead to infection with resistant bacteria.

What are resistant bacteria?

Some new strains of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. Each time we take antibiotics, the sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant bacteria may be left to grow and multiply. These resistant bacteria can also be spread to others in the family and community.

Repeated use and improper use of antibiotics are two of the main causes of the increase in resistant bacteria. People infected with resistant bacteria usually must be treated in the hospital.