Health

Taking antibiotics when you or your child has a virus may do more harm than good. In fact, in children, antibiotics are the most common cause of emergency department visits for adverse drug events. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter products may be your or your child's best treatment option.

Get smart about when antibiotics are appropriate—to fight bacterial infections. Taking them for viral infections, such as a cold, most sore throats, acute bronchitis and many sinus or ear infections:

• Will not cure the infection
• Will not keep other people from getting sick
• Will not help you or your child feel better
• May cause unnecessary and harmful side effects

What Not to Do

• Do not demand antibiotics when a doctor says they are not needed.
• Do not take an antibiotic for a viral infection like a cold or most sore throats.
• Do not take antibiotics prescribed for someone else. The antibiotic may not be right for your or your child's illness. Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct treatment and allow bacteria to increase.

If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic for bacterial infection:

• Do not skip doses.
• Do not save any of the antibiotics for the next time you or your child gets sick.

What to Do

Just because your doctor doesn't give you an antibiotic doesn't mean you aren't sick.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for your or your child's illness. To feel better when you or your child has an upper respiratory infection:

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter treatment options that may help reduce symptoms
• Increase fluid intake
• Get plenty of rest
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion
• Soothe a throat with ice chips, sore throat spray, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to young children)