Antibiotics are powerful tools in modern medicine—but they aren’t a cure-all. While they can be life-saving when used appropriately, they don’t work for every illness, and taking them when they’re not needed can actually do more harm than good.
We believe in helping families understand how antibiotics work, when they’re helpful, and why we sometimes say, “Let’s wait and watch.”
Here’s what every parent—and patient—should know.
What Are Antibiotics, and How Do They Work?
Antibiotics are medications that fight bacterial infections. They work by either killing bacteria or stopping them from multiplying, giving your immune system a chance to finish the job.
They do NOT work against:
- Viruses (like the common cold, flu, RSV, or COVID-19)
- Fungal infections
- Allergies or asthma symptoms
Unfortunately, many common illnesses that cause cough, fever, or congestion are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics won’t help.
When Antibiotics Can Help
There are times when antibiotics are absolutely necessary and can prevent serious complications.
Common infections where antibiotics may be appropriate:
- Strep throat (confirmed with a strep test)
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Certain sinus infections lasting more than 10 days that are not getting better
- Skin infections with signs of spreading
- Ear infections in young children or those with severe symptoms
Your provider will evaluate your symptoms, run tests if needed, and decide whether antibiotics are the right tool for your situation.
When Antibiotics Don’t Help
Taking antibiotics for viral illnesses won’t speed up recovery—and may cause side effects. We commonly see this with:
Illnesses that typically don’t need antibiotics:
- Colds and most coughs
- Sore throats not caused by strep
- The flu
- RSV
- Most ear infections in older children (including children age 2 and older)
- Most cases of bronchitis
Your body is usually able to fight off these viruses with rest, fluids, and time. Antibiotics won’t help—and may actually harm your gut bacteria, cause stomach upset, or contribute to antibiotic resistance.
What Is Antibiotic Resistance—And Why Should I Care?
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria adapt and become stronger than the drugs meant to kill them. The more we use antibiotics (especially when they aren’t needed), the more resistant bacteria become.
This means future infections can be harder to treat, require stronger medications, and may lead to longer illnesses or hospital stays.
Even though resistance is a global issue, every prescription matters—and so does choosing not to use antibiotics when they aren’t necessary.
What to Do Instead: Supportive Care That Works
If your child (or you) is fighting a viral infection, the goal is to manage symptoms and support the immune system while it does its job.
Try:
- Using a cool-mist humidifier to ease congestion
- Offering fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated
- Letting fevers run their course (within safe limits)
- Giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or fever (ask your provider for the right dose)
- Offering saline spray and gentle suction for babies and toddlers
- Resting and being patient
If symptoms worsen, or you're unsure, we're always here to check things out.
When to Schedule an Appointment
We want you to feel confident knowing when to ride it out—and when to call us.
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
- Breathing becomes difficult or labored
- Symptoms improve, then get worse again
- A child under 3 months has a fever
- Ear pain is severe or not improving
- You’re concerned something just doesn’t seem right
We're happy to talk through your concerns. Sometimes it’s worth coming in to rule out a bacterial infection—and sometimes, the best thing we can do is wait and watch together.
Antibiotics Are a Tool—Not a Go-To
At Northwest Family Clinics, we believe in using antibiotics wisely and responsibly. That means saying “yes” when they’ll help—and “not yet” when the body can heal on its own.
By working together, we can protect your health now and preserve the power of antibiotics for the times they’re truly needed.