So, the first thing I always encountered in my clinic during this season aka ALLERGY SEASON, is people coming in to be seen just a little too soon, and they all want the same thing….ANTIBIOTICS!!! (Read this post about antibiotic resistance.)
Viral or Bacterial?
So, how does one know if and when your child truly needs an antibiotic? In order to answer this, you must first understand what a bacterial infection is, and what is actually a viral infection.
- An antibiotic treats bacteria. Antibiotics will treat( to name just a few): strep throat, bladder infections, pneumonia, etc.
- A virus, unfortunately has to run its course and is not typically treated with an antibiotic. A virus is RSV, bronchitis, flu, etc.
So…. let’s get started.
The first question I’m going to ask when you walk into my clinic is, are you running a fever? If you do not own a thermometer, go buy one! Especially if you have a child! “He felt warm,” tells me nothing at all!
[Some of these links are affiliate links and I will earn a small commission from the sale. It’s at no extra charge to yourself and helps to fund the free material on my site].
I adore THIS thermometer for my children. It is on the pricey side! (We asked for ours as a Christmas present!) But any thermometer will do!
The second question, when you are coughing is anything actually coming up? If the answer is yes, that means it is a productive cough. Now look at it. Go on! What color is it? Does it look like this little mucus man?
The third, and most important question of the day is: when did your symptoms actually start? And what have you tried to use ANY over the counter in an attempt to treat it?
Over the Counter Helpers!
The pharmacy you visit, has rows upon rows of medications that ACTUALLY work REALLY well. Some of them even used to be GIVEN BY RX! Your local pharmacist can point you in the direction of what medicine can treat which ailments. But good examples to go by:
- Coughing- medications with dextramethorphan
- Runny nose- medications with Phenylephrine, Claritin, and nasal sprays such as Flonase.
- Sore, itchy throat- chloraseptic lozenges are amazing!! A sinus medicine such as phenylephrine, gargle some salt & H2O
- Congested and Coughing- saline nasal spray and guafensin
- Mild Allergic reaction- Benadryl immediately, then at night time with claritin or zyrtec for daytime use!
- Essential oils!! I like to use some topically for coughing and to diffuse for breathing as well. Finding an immunity builder and a respiratory blend is great for coughs and sick days. (I order from a company taht is pure and held to the highest of standards, Rocky Mountain oils, using this link is at no extra cost to you and I make zero dollars by you using them!)
If you woke up this morning with a new onset of cold symptoms, chances are you can treat this at home. It is likely a cold virus. Save your copay and begin the battle yourself. If you worsen or are not better after about a week, then go in!
However, If you have been treating your symptoms with over the counter meds for greater than 10 days, and you’re just not feeling any better or perhaps even getting worse. Please go on in, it’s likely time for an antibiotic.
Notes:
- If your burning up with fever (because you checked it with a thermometer), please schedule an appointment to be seen for a possible antibiotic.
- If you felt fine at breakfast but, suddenly at lunch you feel as if you got hit by a ton of bricks and feel like death, chances are you need to be seen.
- Viral syndromes (aside from the flu) tend to linger and show up slowly.
- Bacterial infections tend to hit you hard and fast, and have a very high fever!
Make sure to sign up for our monthly Newsletter to receive a free Magnet chart to determine viral versus bacterial HERE!
Lets Play: True or false?
- My snots green, I need an antibiotic FALSE
- You have a 100 degree fever, I need an antibiotic FALSE
- He woke up with congestion, I need to make an appointment stat for an antibiotic FALSE
- I am running a fever of >101.5, I need to go see my PCP TRUE
- My throat hurts and I am not coughing and it has white stuff in there! I need to see my doctor! TRUE
Antibiotic overuse is a much bigger deal than most people even realize. If your provider tells you, “Hey it’s viral, you do not need one.” Be thankful they are treating you correctly! You can always return another day if you have not improved.
While I am a nurse practitioner, I am probably not YOUR personal provider. If you have any questions or concerns you should always seek out the expertise of YOUR healthcare provider, never be afraid to go in if you doubt yourself, especially when it comes to your children.