Seeing your child hurting and sick is probably more than your heart can bear. As a parent, you want to fix it...and, like, NOW! Mistakenly, the majority of parents think the only way to fix an illness is with an antibiotic. But a majority of childhood illnesses are caused by viruses, not bacteria, and therefore are not susceptible to antibiotics.

Here's a little mini-review of microbiology. Bacteria are living organisms that are found everywhere. We even have good bacteria on us (on the skin) and inside us (digestive tract). Harmful bacteria can mulitply inside the body and interfere with normal processes. Antibiotics stop the growth and reprodution of these organisms. Viruses are NOT living. They are only genetic material wrapped in a protein coat that mulitply only after they've invaded a living cell. (That's an even more in-depth review which I will spare you from) Colds, flu and chicken pox are examples of viruses. Antibiotics DO NOT kill viruses.

As a parent, then, what should I do? First, know this. Antibiotic overuse is causing a resistance to antibiotics. Meaning, the viruses and bacteria are just getting tougher against the typical antibiotics (Penicillin, Amoxicillin, etc.) and we are having to use stronger and stronger antibiotics to fight these infections. Second, keep in mind that MOST illnesses will run their course without any kind of medical intervention. Studies are being done right now that show even ear infections will resolve without any antibiotics. So, before insisting your health care practitioner give your child an antibiotics keep this in mind:

• You can only treat bacterial infections with antibiotics. When your child first starts showing symptoms, call the your health care practitioner. If she/he tells you to watch and wait--don't assume they are ignoring your child. Most illnesses will resolve within 7-10 days. And while it's an agonizing wait, it will be better for your child in the long run. In the meantime, ask your practitioner what kinds of medicines you can give to help the symptoms like pain, sore throat and congestion. Even if the symptoms don't get any worse but stick around for awhile, call the practitioner again.
  
• NEVER use someone else's antibiotics. Don't use your older child's that has been in the medicine cabinent for who knows how long. For one, they are probably expired and not effective anymore. And two, you are not a doctor and cannot prescribe medications! And please, please please, do not give your child the same anitbiotics YOU took. The dosing is different for kids and you can really harm your child.
• FINISH THE ENTIRE PRESCRIPTION OF ANTIBIOTICS. If you only take half the bottle then you only kill half the bacteria. Simple enough, right? There IS a reason why you are supposed to take the medicine for the prescribed amount of days.
  

Remember, you are trying to avoid antibiotic resistance! Don't assume antibiotics are the panacea for every imaginable disease there is. While dealing with a cranky, fussy, can't-be-pleased child is wearing on the nerves, in the long run you are doing what's best for the fuss-pot!