FAQs About Antibiotics

When your child isn’t feeling well, it’s natural to want the quickest fix possible. Many parents ask whether an antibiotic will help their child feel better faster, but antibiotics aren’t always the right solution. In fact, using antibiotics when they aren’t needed can actually do more harm than good. So, when are antibiotics called for and when are they not? Let’s explore.

 

What do antibiotics treat?

Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections only. Common childhood illnesses like colds, flu, most sore throats, and some ear infections are caused by viruses, not bacteria. In these cases, antibiotics simply won’t work.

Giving an antibiotic for a viral illness won’t shorten the illness or relieve symptoms, it just exposes your child to unnecessary medication.

 

Are there side effects?

Antibiotics do have side effects. These are things that can happen, but don’t necessarily always happen when they are taken. If your child has been prescribed an antibiotic, it means that we do believe the benefits of receiving one outweigh the potential side effects. 

These may include:

• Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea
• Allergic reactions
• Yeast infections
• Changes to healthy gut bacteria

Repeated or unnecessary use of antibiotics can also contribute to antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat in the future when antibiotics are truly needed.

 

How do you decide to give an antibiotic? 

Before prescribing an antibiotic, your pediatrician carefully evaluates your child’s symptoms, medical history, and exam findings. In some cases, testing may be needed to determine whether an infection is bacterial or viral.

If an antibiotic is the right treatment, we’ll prescribe the safest and most effective option—and guide you on how to use it properly. If it’s not, we’ll recommend supportive care to help your child feel better while their body fights the infection naturally.

 

What can I do to help as a parent?

• Trust that “no antibiotic” doesn’t mean “no treatment”
• Ask questions if you’re unsure why an antibiotic isn’t being prescribed
• Follow dosing instructions exactly when antibiotics are needed
• Never use leftover antibiotics or share prescriptions

Our Goal: The Right Care at the Right Time

At Augusta Pediatrics, our priority is keeping your child healthy—both now and in the future. Using antibiotics wisely helps protect your child, your family, and the community as a whole.

 

For questions, to book an appointment, or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.