Health & Wellness
Bacteria vs Virus
Why won’t antibiotics help my baby recover from this awful virus?
It’s natural that when our little ones get sick with a virus, we want to reach for anything we think will make them feel better again. Antibiotics are not the answer!
Antibiotics treat bacteria (not viruses!).
We have billions of bacteria all over and inside our bodies that reproduce and grow, most of them being harmless and even essential for our health, but sometimes they can cause infections.
Antibiotics slow the growth of bacteria or kill it by destroying the cell walls.
Viruses behave differently. These tough little guys don't actually have a cell wall that can be fought off with antibiotics, and instead, they invade the cells and sneakily set up shop inside them!
They can't reproduce on their own but instead reprogram the body's cells to make new viruses. For these reasons, antibiotics won't do a thing to rid an infection caused by a virus.
It's important not to self-prescribe or take antibiotics 'just in case' as this can cause a dangerous resistance to the drug. It may also kill off the body's much needed good bacteria and mean we get sick more easily in the future.
SO, what can we do then?
🤜Rest up!
🤜Keep up the fluids and monitor for dehydration (nappies are a great indicator). Your little one may be off their food but encourage regular drinks and consider oral rehydration solution - my kids tolerate the icy poles better than the drink!
🤜Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms and make your child more comfortable if miserable, irritable or lethargic.
🤜Blocked noses can be relived with saline drops
🤜Help protect your little ones from the flu with the annual vaccine [after 6 months]
🤜Head to the GP if your little one has a fever, changes in behaviour is not tolerating any fluids, is not improving after 48 hours or if you are at all worried
🤜Seek immediate medical attention if they have trouble breathing, are hard to wake, have a non-blanching rash, get a headache, stiff neck or back pain, or are less than one month old and are not feeding or less than 3 months old with a fever.
Laburnum Psychology - Tuning Into Kids PROGRAM FOR PARENTS
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