Physicians have to be more selective about offering antibiotics to children. It shouldn't be for a runny nose or a low-grade fever, he said. Giving antibiotics for recurring ear infections as a prophylactic works for a while, but then bacteria can become more resistant and harder to treat. To decrease the chances of a child getting complicated ear infections, Antonelli recommended breastfeeding, avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke and using daycare with groups of less than six children. If an antibiotic is prescribed, the whole course should be completed to ensure the bacteria is killed.
Hospitals do have certain antibiotics they hold in reserve to treat resistant bacteria.
Antonelli said he believes health-care professionals have done a good job using them sparingly, but he cautions that relying on antibiotic variation alone won't solve the problem of resistance. Any question regarding a medical diagnosis, treatment, referral, drug availability or pricing should be directed to either a licensed physician or to the product's manufacturer.