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Antibiotics help our bodies fight bacterial infections, but if used improperly, they can do more harm than good. Since many illnesses are caused by viruses, antibiotics are not needed, and should not be used to treat these diseases. A good example is the common cold.
Overuse of antibiotics has led to increasing bacterial resistance. In other words, antibiotics do not work on bacteria upon which they used to work. We are used to calling some antibiotics "weak" (i.e. Amoxicillin) and others "strong" (i.e. Zithromax, Rocephin). The truth is that all antibiotics are "strong" if used properly. The difference is in what types of bacteria they can kill, and in what parts of our bodies they are effective. For example, Rocephin is used for serious bacterial infections like sepsis or meningitis, and Amoxicillin is an excellent drug to treat ear infections, trep throat or sinusitis.
Your child’s physician should decide whether an antibiotic is needed or not. If it is prescribed, use it as directed.
For additional healthy kids tips, log onto baymed.org, scroll over "Health Checks & You" and join our "E-List." For more information about childhood diseases or development, contact Inez Balinska, MD or Darek Balinski, MD, McLaren Bay Region Pediatrics, Medical Mall, 1456 W. Center Road, Essexville. (989) 895-4840.
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