10/06/2025
Cold and cough season is here! (hooray) and we are seeing many kids with upper respiratory infections. A common question: Why don’t we treat every URI with antibiotics?
Short answer: Most URIs are caused by viruses. Antibiotics only fight bacteria. They do not help with viruses.
For viral colds, the best care is time and comfort care: fluids, rest, fever control, a humidifier, and honey for children older than one year.
When might antibiotics be right? Only after an exam and sometimes testing. Examples include strep throat with a positive test, some ear infections, bacterial pneumonia, or sinus infections that last longer than 10 days or improve and then get worse.
Please come back or seek care ASAP if any of the following happens:
Breathing fast, working hard to breathe, or wheezing
Signs of dehydration such as very tired, not peeing, or a dry mouth
Fever at or above 102°F for more than three days, or any fever in babies younger than three months
Severe or persistent ear pain
Your child is not improving, or you are worried
We are here to help you decide what is viral and what is bacterial and to treat what your child does have. If things change or do not improve.
our providers are available to answer any and all of your questions. We have two convenient locations in Rancho Cucamonga and Eastvale, California! Open seven days a week offering walk-in visits, scheduled daytime appointments, as well as telemedicine!
