Antibiotics are among the most powerful and important medicines known. When used correctly they can save lives, but used improperly, they can actually harm a child. Antibiotics shouldn't be used to treat viral infections. Bacteria and Viruses are two main type of germs. Viruses cause most coughs and sore throats and all colds.Bacterial infections can be cured by antibiotics, but common viral infections never are. You recover from these commom viral infections when the illness has run it's course. .
New strains of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics and are not killed by the antibiotic. Some of these resistant bacteria can only be treated in the hospital, a few are already untreatable. The more antibiotic prescribed, the higher the chance that your will be infected with resistant bacteria. Bacteria became resistant .
How Bacteria Become Resistant.
Each time we take antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant ones may be left to grow and multiply. Repeated use and improper use of antibiotics are some of the main causes of the increase in resistant bacteria. These resistant bacteria can also be spread to others in the family and community. .
You can protect your child from resistant bacteria.
Learn about the differences between bacterial and viral infections, and talk to your child's doctor about them. Understand that antibiotics should not be used for viral infections. .
When are antibiotics needed, and when are they not needed?.
This complicated question is best answered by your doctor, and the answer depends on the specific diagnosis. Here are a few .
examples: .
Antibiotics are prescribed to kill bacteria. They can prevent serious complications and even save lives. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unnecessary use of antibiotics is a large factor in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.
There are many misconceptions about antibiotics.
