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Fever, sore throat +3 conditions when you should NOT give ANTIBIOTICS to your child

Giving your child antibiotics can expose her to a host of diseases in future. Here is when you should not give her medicines and seek a second opinion.

Written by Debjani Arora | Updated : July 14, 2016 11:39 AM IST

Parenting-When Not To Give Antibiotics-THS

Antibiotics are powerful medications and often misused and overused. Most parents fail to realise that antibiotic given for a viral infection, instead of a bacterial one, is ineffective in treating the condition. There might not be any immediate complications but using antibiotics the wrong way can make life long changes in the gut bacteria and immune system. Here are the times when you should not give antibiotics to your child.

Ear Infections

Ear infections: Sometimes even doctors prescribe antibiotics for ear infections, but not all ear infections need antibiotics. Sometimes inflammation of the middle ear, which is common during infancy and childhood could be due to food allergies and sensitivities. Treating such infection with antibiotics might be futile. Get your child thoroughly checked by a paediatrician before offering antibiotics or painkillers for ear infections.  Also Read - Teens Turn To Smoke As A Stress-Reduction Method: Here's Why

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper respiratory tract infections: Some symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections are again cold and flu, which is again caused by viruses. Without undergoing a proper diagnosis and doctor’s advice treating the symptoms with antibiotics is not advised.

Fever

Fever: Most doctors prefer the wait and watch method when it is a bout of fever before prescribing antibiotics. In most cases, a fever is a viral infection which doesn’t need antibiotics, just a few drops of paracetamol does the work. An antibiotic for a fever will only be prescribed if tests show a bacterial invasion, which is rare. So stop giving your child antibiotics for fever.

Sore Throat

Sore throat: Most kids who are below five years of age a sore throat is usually a viral infection. Most sore throats clear up on their own and don’t need any treatments. In fact, it is one way in which your child’s body develop immunity.  Also Read - Calcium Deficiency: 5 Things That Could Cause It