While the antibiotics are killing the bad bacteria, they are also killing some of the harmless or good bacteria. Once a child stops or finishes a course of antibiotics, the bad or good bacteria that are left will likely be resistant to the antibiotic that was just used. Parents need to realize that every time a child takes an antibiotic, they have increased their risk of later developing a resistant infection. They also have an increased risk of passing on resistant bacteria to other kids. Dr. Hendricks goes on to explain that it's important for parents to understand when an illness is bacterial and when it's viral, and how to treat each one.
Viruses cause most colds, coughs, and runny noses.
Illnesses caused by viruses will go away on their own. Many people assume that antibiotics are needed to cure most illnesses, but this is not the case. Many parents don't know, for example, that discolored mucous is not a sign of a bacterial infection. It's normal for mucous to be clear at the beginning of a cold, then discolored, then clear. Your doctor can tell you if your child will need an antibiotic or not.