Important Information for Parents

Did you know...
...that children can get 6-9 colds a year? Your child's doctor wants to make sure your child gets the best care for colds and coughs. Most of the time, this will not include antibiotics because they do not help colds and coughs. Here's more information about why antibiotics are not always helpful when your child is sick.

What kinds of germs cause infections and make your child sick?
There are two main kinds of germs that cause most infections: bacteria and viruses.

When can antibiotics help cure an infection?
Antibiotics do work for infections caused by bacteria including:

  • strep throat
  • bacterial ear and sinus infections
  • bacterial pneumonia

When are antibiotics NOT effective?
Antibiotics do not work for infections caused by viruses like: colds and coughs, including bronchitis. (Yellow or green nucus in the nose and fluid in the middle ear can both be caused by viruses.) sore throats due to colds, the flu, or other viruses.

How can you and your child's doctor work together to use antibiotics effectively?

Antibiotic Do's:
  • When your child is sick, ask the doctor if the illness is caused by a virus or a bacteria.
  • Remember, antibiotics can help treat bacterial infections, but do not work for infections caused by viruses.
  • Share any concerns or questions you have about antibiotics with your child’s doctor.
  • Make sure your child takes all of the antibiotic prescrition exactly as prescribed by your child’s doctor, even if your child is feeling better.
  • Do make sure your child takes the exact antibiotic dosage as prescribed since each dose is based on your child’s weight. Taking more or less than prescribed may affect the antibiotic’s effectiveness.
  • Make sure you notify your child’s doctor immediately should your child develop any rash while taking an antibiotic. The doctor will likely need to see your child that same day to diagnose an allergic reaction to the antibiotic.

Antibiotic Dont's:
  • Do not expect an antibiotic prescription if your child has a viral infection like a cold or flu.
  • Do not ask your child’s doctor to prescribe an antibiotic over the telephone.
  • Never give your child antibiotics prescribed for someone else.
  • Do not ask your child’s doctor for an antibiotic prescription to have "just in case." If your child’s condition changes you should contact your doctor or nurse.
  • Never save any leftover antibiotics for future use. Pharmacies may give more antibiotics than prescribed, especially with liquid antibiotics, in case some antibiotics are spilled.
  • Never give any antibiotics prescribed for your child to someone else.

Antiobiotics cannot make your child's pain or symptoms better right away. Ask your doctor about ways to make your child feel better until the antibiotics start to work.

What is antibiotic resistance?
Each time we take antibiotics, some bacteria are killed. But some learn how to defend themselves against antibiotics. These bacteria are called "resistant." If your child takes antibiotics when they are not needed, your child and others in your community are more likely to get infected with these resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problems in Massachusetts and throughtout the country.

What can you do to protect your child from antibiotic-resistant bacteria?
The best way to minimize antibiotic resistance is to use antibiotics only when your doctor says your child has an infection caused by bacteria.

What can you do to keep your child from getting sick with a cold, sore throat, runny nose, or cough?
The best way not to get sick is to avoid exposure to germs. Handwashing with warm soap and water is one of the most important ways to keep infections from spreading. You can also:

  • teach your child to cover the mouth and nose when coughing.
  • have your child use tissues that can be thrown away.
  • wash toys that have been put in the mouth in hot soapy water.

Remember! Always use antibiotics wisely.

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