Welcome to our weekly Health Diaries column. We trust you had a safe and peaceful Easter holiday, filled with rest, reflection and good health. As we resume our regular discussions, we continue to explore a range of disease-related topics, simplifying complex concepts for our readers.
It is common for parents to seek quick relief when a child is unwell, especially with symptoms such as fever, cough or a sore throat. Many believe that antibiotics are the fastest solution. However, an important medical fact must be understood: antibiotics do not work against viral infections.
Antibiotics are medicines designed to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or preventing them from multiplying. Conditions such as bacterial pneumonia, certain ear infections and some throat infections may require antibiotics. However, many common childhood illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria.
Viral infections include the common cold, influenza, most coughs, most sore throats and many cases of diarrhoea. In these instances, antibiotics offer no benefit. They will not reduce fever more quickly, shorten the illness or prevent it from spreading. Instead, the child’s body needs time to fight off the virus naturally.
Unnecessary use of antibiotics exposes children to side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, allergic reactions and skin rashes. More importantly, it contributes to antibiotic resistance. This occurs when bacteria adapt and become strong enough to survive the medicines designed to kill them. Over time, infections become harder to treat, requiring stronger and more expensive medication.
Parents should also be cautious about self-medication. Using leftover antibiotics or obtaining them without a prescription is unsafe. Not all infections require the same treatment and giving the wrong antibiotic or incorrect dosage can do more harm than good.
Fever is a common concern. It is important to understand that not every fever requires antibiotics. Fever is often a natural response to infection, particularly viral infections. Supportive care—such as fluids, rest and fever-reducing medication when necessary—is usually sufficient.
However, medical attention should be sought if the child is very young or experiences persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, poor feeding, unusual drowsiness or worsening symptoms.
In conclusion, antibiotics are powerful and life-saving when used correctly, but they are not a cure for all illnesses.
