The NHS has issued a warning to any parent whose child has been prescribed antibiotics. The public health body took to its official Instagram page to explain why it’s important for children to finish the whole course of antibiotics
Parents are always keen to ensure they’re getting the best medical advice for their kids.
And the NHS has issued a fresh warning to any parent whose child has been prescribed antibiotics.
The health body used its official Instagram page to stress the importance of children completing their full course of antibiotics if they’re prescribed them. They explained that children who are given antibiotics for a bacterial infection may seem better after two or three days.
However, if they don’t finish the full course of antibiotics, the infection is more likely to return. Not finishing the course could also heighten the risk of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics, according to the health body.
They stated in the post: “If your child has been prescribed antibiotics, it’s important they finish the whole course.
“Children often don’t need antibiotics because most childhood infections are caused by viruses, like colds and the flu, which antibiotics cannot treat.
“When it comes to antibiotics, take your doctor’s advice on whether you need them or not. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem – taking antibiotics when you do not need them can mean they will not work for you in the future.”
In addition to not being regularly used for children, the NHS states on its website that antibiotics are no longer routinely used to treat infections in adults too. This is due to the fact that many infections are viral, rendering antibiotics ineffective. They’re unlikely to hasten recovery and can lead to side effects.
It also states: “The more antibiotics are used to treat trivial conditions, the more likely they are to become ineffective for treating more serious conditions.
“Both the NHS and global health organisations are striving to reduce antibiotic use, particularly for non-serious health issues.”
