At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care, we know how tough it can be when your child isn’t feeling well, and you want them back to their energetic selves as quickly as possible. Conditions like colds, ear infections, and sore throats are common in children, but do they always need antibiotics? Not necessarily!
Understanding When Antibiotics Are Effective
Antibiotics are powerful medications that treat bacterial infections by either killing bacteria or stopping their growth. However, many common childhood illnesses, such as colds and flu, are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Since antibiotics only work against bacteria, they won’t help with viral infections. Here’s a quick guide:
Colds and Flu: These are viral infections, so antibiotics aren’t effective. These illnesses typically improve on their own with rest, fluids, and symptom relief.
Ear Infections: Some ear infections are bacterial, but others are viral. In mild cases—especially in children over two—doctors often recommend a “wait-and-see” approach before prescribing antibiotics.
Sore Throats: Most sore throats are viral, but strep throat is a bacterial infection. If your child has symptoms like a sore throat with fever and swollen glands, a doctor may test for strep and prescribe antibiotics if needed.
Why It’s Important to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Our Pediatric urgent care and healthcare providers are cautious about prescribing antibiotics for children. Unnecessary antibiotics for kids can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat. If you’re unsure whether antibiotics are needed, check with a healthcare provider. They can assess your child’s illness and recommend the best treatment plan. If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure to follow the directions carefully.
Remember, not all infections need antibiotics, especially viral ones! With guidance from your child’s healthcare provider, you can ensure they get the right care while protecting their long-term health.
Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care opened in 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. With multiple locations in San Antonio and Dallas, we are open seven days a week with extended evening hours. We accept most commercial insurance and Medicaid plans. We provide a variety of services for children ages 0-21.
