Show
Using antibiotics when they are not the right medicine will not help. In fact, it may even cause more harm than good. Why? Because antibiotics only treat infections caused by bacteria—not viruses. Plus, like all medications, antibiotics have side effects. Before prescribing an antibiotic, your pediatrician will find out if it is the right medicine to treat your child's infection.
1. My child has a really bad cold. Why won't the doctor prescribe an antibiotic?
2. Don't some colds turn into bacterial infections? So why wait to start an antibiotic?
3. Isn't a nose draining yellow or green mucus a sign of a bacterial infection?
4. Aren't antibiotics supposed to treat ear infections?
5. Aren't antibiotics used to treat all sore throats?
6. Do antibiotics cause side effects?
7. How long does it take an antibiotic to work?
8. Can antibiotics lead to resistant bacteria?
9. What are antiviral medicines?
10. How can I use antibiotics safely?
More information
Last Updated11/1/2022SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics Section on Infectious Diseases (Copyright © 2022) The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. How long do bacterial infections take to clear?Symptoms in case of acute Bacterial Infections may get resolved spontaneously in a duration of approx. two weeks, without undergoing treatment. However, in chronic cases when the symptoms persist for a longer duration, such as for 10 or more days, there is a need for the consultation with a doctor.
Do bacterial infections get worse before they get better?Symptoms often get worse before they get better so there may be an initial increase in redness when treatment is started before it starts to fade. Tell a doctor if the area of infection continues to spread or you become worse after you start antibiotics.
Do antibiotics clear bacterial infections?Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent some types of bacterial infection. They kill bacteria or prevent them from reproducing and spreading. Antibiotics aren't effective against viral infections. This includes the common cold, flu, most coughs and sore throats.
How can I get rid of a bacterial infection fast?Most bacterial infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics. They either kill bacteria or stop them multiplying. This helps the body's immune system to fight the bacteria. Your doctor's choice of antibiotic will depend on the bacteria that is causing the infection.
|