Promoting Judicious Antibiotic Use Decreasing the spread of antibiotic resistance requires that the selective pressure of antibiotic use be decreased. For both groups, education and other strategies are needed to bring about these behavior changes. The goal must be that for most upper respiratory infections, antibiotics are not the expected and accepted treatment. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, NOT against those caused by viruses. Antibiotics will NOT cure most colds, coughs, sore throats, or runny noses since these are caused by viruses.
Children usually fight off colds on their own.
Antibiotics are very powerful medicines, and should be used to treat bacterial infections. However, overuse of these important medicines makes them less effective when they are truly needed. Ask your doctor. If you think your child might need treatment, you should contact your doctor. But remember, cold are caused by viruses, and should not be treated with antibiotics.