Does Your Child Really Need Antibiotics?
The overuse of antibiotics for common childhood illnesses has created antibiotic resistance - a serious, health problem in the U.S. and throughout the world. This means that some drugs designed to fight bacterial infections may no longer be effective.
When antibiotics are used inappropriately, they can kill off “good” bacteria that help you fight infection. The “bad” bacteria that are left behind have a chance to grow and multiply. These bacteria can develop antibiotic-resistant traits.
Antibiotic resistance is now considered one of the world’s most critical public health problems. Illnesses that used to be easy to treat with antibiotics can now become dangerous, and even deadly.
Antibiotic resistance is not just a problem for the person with the infection. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can also spread from one person to another.
Stony Brook Children’s Hospital already adheres to the CDC’s recommended practices for antibiotic use and is doing its part get the word out to parents and raise awareness about when it is and is not necessary to prescribe antibiotics.
What you need to know:
- Antibiotics are used to cure bacterial infections, not viral infections such as colds or the flu. If your child does get sick, ask his or her healthcare provider if there are ways to relieve your child’s symptoms without antibiotics.
- Some ear infections and most sore throats do not require an antibiotic.
- Green colored mucus does not mean that an antibiotic is needed. It is normal for mucus to change color when the body’s immune system is fighting infection
- If your child is prescribed antibiotics, be sure he or she takes them exactly as directed. Do not stop giving your child antibiotics because he or she feels better.
- If your child experiences side effects from taking antibiotics, call your doctor.
- Do not ever give your child leftover antibiotics or antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
- Do not pressure your healthcare provider to prescribe antibiotics for your child.
- You can reduce your family's chances of needing antibiotics by taking preventive measures such as getting recommended vaccinations, maintaining good hand hygiene and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Find out more:
Chart: Viruses or Bacteria – What’s Got You Sick?
Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Answer
Click here to learn more about antibiotics and adults.
Sources:
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2015/11/18/when-antibiotics-are-needed
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/feb2014/feature1
http://www.health24.com/News/how-to-avoid-overuse-of-antibiotics-20151119