22/10/2025
🧒 Antibiotics: What Parents Should Know
💊 What Are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are medicines that fight bacterial infections — not viruses.
They help your child recover from illnesses caused by bacteria such as pneumonia, ear infections, or urinary tract infections.
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🚫 When NOT to Use Antibiotics
❌ Colds, flu, and coughs – usually caused by viruses
❌ Sore throat (most are viral, unless confirmed as strep throat)
❌ Runny or stuffy nose
❌ Viral diarrhea or vomiting
🦠 These illnesses get better with rest, fluids, and supportive care — not antibiotics.
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✅ When Antibiotics May Be Needed
✔️ Bacterial infections confirmed by your doctor
✔️ Pneumonia
✔️ Urinary tract infection (UTI)
✔️ Strep throat (confirmed by test)
✔️ Certain ear or skin infections
Always follow your doctor’s advice before starting antibiotics.
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⚠️ Why Unnecessary Antibiotic Use Is Harmful
💢 Can cause side effects (diarrhea, rashes, stomach upset)
🧬 Leads to antibiotic resistance – bacteria become harder to treat
💔 May make antibiotics less effective in the future
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👩⚕️ Important Reminders
📅 Finish the full course — even if your child feels better
🚫 Do not share or reuse leftover antibiotics
🧾 Ask your doctor or pediatrician if antibiotics are really needed
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💚 Remember:
Not every fever or cough needs antibiotics.
When in doubt, ask your pediatrician for proper evaluation and advice.
