Antibiotics: when are they the right treatment?

As a pediatrician, I've seen my share of ear infections, sinus infections and strep throats over the years. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat these conditions, but I'm often asked by parents and caregivers if antibiotics are the right treatment for other conditions as well, such as colds or the flu.

Each November, we recognize Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, and it's the perfect time for parents and caregivers to reflect on when antibiotics are an appropriate treatment and when they are not especially for children.

First of all, it's important to understand that there are different types of germs that can make us sick bacteria and viruses. Bacteria are mostly harmless, or even helpful to our body, such as bacteria within the digestive system. But bacterial infections can occur when harmful forms of bacteria multiply inside our body.

Viruses, on the other hand, make us sick by destroying or interfering with the functioning of cells within our body. Viruses are what cause and spread the common cold and the flu, and are responsible for diseases such as chicken pox, mumps and measles.

Common illnesses such as strep throat, staph infections, skin infections and even pneumonia are caused by bacterial infections. While antibiotics have been successful in treating bacterial infections, the overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some antibiotics have been used so widely and for so long that the bacteria they are designed to treat have adapted to them, making the drugs less effective.

The CDC also reports that each year in the United States, at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, and at least 23,000 people die each year as a direct result of these infections.

Parents and caregivers should be aware of this and ask their child's doctor if there is a chance a prescribed antibiotic will cause resistance, especially if antibiotics have been prescribed multiple times for the same condition. Parents and caregivers should also be aware that viruses including those that cause colds and flu cannot be treated with antibiotics.

The old adage of rest and plenty of fluid is usually the best course of action. Pain relievers and fever reducers with acetaminophen may also help adults feel better, but over-the-counter cold remedies aren't recommended for young children according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Another important point to remember is that our body has a natural disease-fighting immune system that can be more powerful than medications or over-the-counter remedies.

In fact, we are exposed to thousands of viruses in our lifetime and our immune system successfully fights them off. To keep our immune system healthy, the CDC recommends eating right, exercising regularly and sleeping well. Proper hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers are also recommended by the CDC to help reduce our risk of contracting a virus.

At Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, we believe in helping our members and the entire community stay healthy. Our Blue Health Solutions wellness program offers access to personalized health coaches who can help members stay on track with nutrition and exercise. We also help our members and employees prevent viruses like the flu by recommending and covering (in most cases) annual flu shots.

As we recognize Get Smart About Antibiotics Week this month, take time to learn the appropriate uses of antibiotics before you or your child makes your next visit to the doctor.