Does my child need antibiotics?

 

There are three types of infections that effect humans: Viral, bacterial, and parasitic. Only bacterial and parasitic infections are treated with antibiotics, and not in all circumstances. Read below to see why.

 

Viruses are primarily transmitted by inhalation or being bitten by infected insects or parasites. Respiratory infections of the upper airways, nose and throat are the most common forms of viral infections. Viruses can target specific cells in the body, such as those in the upper respiratory tract or the skin. An example of a local infection is conjunctivitis, or "pink eye." Viruses can  also be systemic, affecting many different parts of the body and causing symptoms such as runny nose, sinus congestion, cough, and body aches. Some viruses are more common in or even specific to certain age groups, such as those that cause croup in babies and young children.