03/18/2026
If your child has a runny nose, cough, and fever, should they get antibiotics? The answer might surprise you.
Antibiotics are powerful and lifesaving when used for bacterial infections.
But they do nothing for viruses.
Right now, most childhood illnesses going around; colds, flu, RSV, COVID—are viral.
Antibiotics can help with things like strep throat, certain ear infections (not all!!), bacterial pneumonia and some sinus infections (again, not all!).
But they don’t help with most cough and colds, bronchiolitis, flu and viral sore throats.
Using antibiotics when they’re not needed can cause diarrhea and rashes, allergic reactions and antibiotic resistance, which makes future infections harder to treat.
I know it’s frustrating to hear “this will just take time,” especially when your child feels miserable. But sometimes the best medicine is fluids, rest, fever control and close follow up.
A good pediatrician’s job isn’t to prescribe something—it’s to prescribe the right thing. And sometimes, that’s reassurance and a plan.