Antibiotic Use For Parents and Child Care Staff
Information for Parents and Child Care Center Staff
These are some of the most common infant and childhood illnesses. Many of these are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics to treat. Click each link to access information about these illnesses and learn whether antibiotics might be a treatment option.
- Bronchitis: Chest colds are rarely caused by bacteria and usually do not need antibiotics.
- Common Cold and Runny Nose: Antibiotics cannot cure a cold, but your healthcare professional may prescribe other medicine.
- Ear Infection: Antibiotics can help some ear infections, but only your healthcare provider can tell.
- Influenza (Flu): Antiviral drugs, not antibiotics, are used to fight influenza in your body.
- Sinus Infection (Sinusitis): Sometimes antibiotics may be needed if your sinus infection is bacterial.
- Sore Throat: A sort throat almost always gets better on its own without antibiotics.
- Urinary Tract Infection: Bacteria are often the cause of bladder, kidney, and other urinary tract infections.
For illnesses which cannot be treated by antibiotics, there are still things you can do to relieve the symptoms and feel better while a viral illness runs its course.