Children often receive antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), which are caused by viruses, such as the common cold. However, antibiotics cannot treat viruses.

Using antibiotics when they are not needed can cause harm. Antibiotics can:

• Cause side effects like rashes, vomiting and diarrhea
• Cause antibiotic resistance, which makes it harder for the antibiotics to work when they are needed to treat infections caused by bacteria.
• Harm the microbiome, the helpful bacteria that live in and on our bodies.

For acute respiratory tract infections caused by bacteria — like ear infections, sinus infections, strep throat or pneumonia — narrow-spectrum antibiotics are the best choice.

• Narrow-spectrum antibiotics target only the harmful bacteria, while “broad-spectrum” antibiotics target additional bacteria that can be helpful for the body.

For many of these infections, it is also better to use shorter courses of antibiotics (such as five days) instead of longer courses (such as 10 days).

• Research studies have shown clearly that shorter courses and narrow-spectrum antibiotics cure infections just as well as longer courses and broad-spectrum antibiotics, but with fewer side effects.

For more information about how to help your child feel better when they have an acute respiratory tract infection, whether it’s caused by a virus or bacteria, and for more information about the risks of antibiotics, click here.

For more information visit:

• Healthy Habits: Antibiotic Do's and Don'ts | Antibiotic Prescribing and Use | CDC
• Commitment to Improve Antibiotic Use Flyer