Research shows that half of the prescriptions for antibiotics are not necessary. This makes future treatment of bacterial infections more difficult. Many bacteria are now resistant to antibiotics that used to control them. When we turn to newer and more expensive antibiotics, bacteria develop resistance to them as well. In the battle between antibiotics and bacteria, the bacteria seem to be winning.
All antibiotics have side effects.
Unless your child really needs an antibiotic, there is no reason to risk the side effects of the medicine. Some children taking antibiotics develop diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or a rash. Because it's difficult to be sure, your child may be considered allergic to a family of antibiotics when he really isn't. Then your child can't take that type of antibiotics again. If your child has a viral illness, an antibiotic will not shorten the course of the fever or help the other symptoms.