When to give antibiotics to a child with a fever?

For parents and other caregivers, fever is a common cause for concern because it frequently indicates that the body is battling an infection. It can be difficult to know what to do when your child has a fever to protect their health and comfort. Whether or not to use antibiotics to treat their child’s fever is one of the most important concerns that many parents have.

Strong drugs called antibiotics are made to fight bacterial infections; however, they are ineffective against viruses, which are frequently the cause of fevers in children. Understanding the specifics of your child’s ailment and how these drugs fit into the overall treatment plan is necessary to determine when antibiotics are appropriate.

This article will discuss how to diagnose bacterial infections, recognize the warning signs of infection, and know when to consult a doctor. Our mission is to support you in making wise choices and giving your child the best care possible during those anxious moments.

Causes of children"s fever

Elevated body temperature – not a sign of illness, but rather a sign that the infant’s immune system is operating normally. The child’s body is fending off the invasion if the temperature has increased. Viruses typically arrive uninvited. Thus, the primary cause of the thermometer crossing the marks of "38," "39," and stopping midway between "39.5" and "40" is acute viral diseases. That means that 90% of cases of fever are caused by viral infections.

Since the virus has a distinguishable "signature," it is easy to suspect that it is the cause of the baby’s declining health. a sudden, sharp rise in body temperature to 39 degrees, or alternatively, a subfebrile temperature of about 37.5 degrees; other symptoms include a runny nose, dry cough, aches in the muscles and joints, and a strong headache. In addition, practically all of the symptoms are present at the same time, and the illness gets worse quickly.

Acute respiratory viral infections and the flu should not be treated with antibiotics. First of all, since they were designed to combat bacteria rather than viruses, the source of the illness, they will not affect the virus. Secondly, efforts to lower the "viral" temperature by using antibacterial drugs will backfire; the good bacteria in the stomach, intestines, and genitourinary system will perish, but the virus will survive.

Consequently, the viral illness will be compounded with dysbacteriosis, thrush, allergies, and who knows what other antibiotic side effects! Antibiotics also weaken the immune system, which makes them more effective than ever in protecting a child from the flu virus.

Dr. Komarovsky will explain why antibiotics are not the best course of treatment for viral infections in the upcoming video.

Bacterial infections can also be the cause of a child’s fever. It typically takes the place of a viral infection as a side effect. However, it can be independent at times. To recognize it, you have to have a certain amount of skill and patience. A bacterial illness is something we can discuss if:

• The child recently suffered from a viral infection, he felt better, and then it worsened again, and the repeated temperature is not lower than the previous one and does not go down. If new symptoms appear. This is a sure sign of a secondary infection.
• If the temperature above 38 degrees lasts for more than 3 days in a child under 3 months, and in a baby under three years of age it remains at 39 degrees. These are good reasons to start taking antibiotics.
• If the fever appeared later than the stuffy nose. And the runny nose, in turn, appeared with a sore throat. The consistency and slowness of symptoms is a distinctive feature of a bacterial cold.

Naturally, a doctor will not jump to prescribe antibiotics at such a temperature given the history of bacterial inflammation; children under three years old are the only exception. A protracted fever can kill them, dehydrate them, and make them intoxicated. Antipyretic medications will probably be prescribed by the pediatrician for any child over the age of three. Treatment without antibiotics is rarely possible if the bacterial infection (bacterial tonsillitis, pneumonia, meningitis, purulent otitis, or sinusitis) is severe and dangerous in and of itself.

It can be difficult for parents to decide when to give antibiotics to a child who has a fever. Since antibiotics don’t treat viral infections like the flu or colds, they should typically only be used if a doctor has determined that the patient has bacterial infection. To determine the exact cause of the fever and the best course of action, including the safe and efficient use of antibiotics, it is imperative to speak with a healthcare provider.

How to treat correctly?

The goal of the child’s treatment, if they have a viral infection, will never be to reduce their body temperature. The physician will recommend antiviral medications (such as Kagocel, Orvirem, Remantadin, Anaferon, and others) that have been approved for use in children. Pain relievers and antipyretics, like children’s Nurofen, are sometimes also appropriate. Moreover, symptomatic therapy will be recommended, such as gargles or sprays for a sore throat, drops or inhalations for a runny nose, and mucolytic medications for a cough. As soon as the disease-causing virus is eliminated, the temperature will drop.

The doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the child has a bacterial infection, the fever lasts for three to seven days, and there are clear signs of inflammation.

Should the child’s temperature not drop within 72 hours of starting antibacterial medication, this indicates that the antibiotics are not working for him, the bacteria have developed drug resistance, and a new medication will need to be administered.

By the way, one indirect measure of an antibiotic’s effectiveness is the body temperature. Within a day or two of starting treatment, the fever should start to go down if the medication is selected correctly. Despite this, antibiotics are not in any way antipyretic medications. It’s important for parents to keep this in mind.

When certain viral infections, like rubella, have a lengthy and prolonged course, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Furthermore, in these situations, the fever may not go away even if you take antibiotics.

It can be difficult to determine if your child needs antibiotics when they have a fever. It’s crucial to keep in mind that antibiotics only work against bacterial infections—virals excluded. Antibiotics won’t help treat viral diseases like the flu and colds that frequently cause fevers. It may be sufficient to treat these kinds of illnesses by controlling the fever with fluids, rest, and over-the-counter medications.

It’s time to see a doctor if your child’s fever doesn’t go down or if it’s accompanied by other worrisome symptoms like breathing difficulties, excruciating pain, or unusual tiredness. They are able to identify whether antibiotics are necessary and whether a bacterial infection may be present. By ensuring that antibiotics are only administered when absolutely necessary, this strategy helps lower the likelihood of antibiotic resistance.

When using antibiotics, always heed the advice of your healthcare provider. Without medical supervision, self-diagnosing or giving antibiotics to your child can be dangerous and may not treat the underlying cause of their illness. You can contribute to ensuring your child receives the best care possible while they are ill by being informed and consulting a professional when necessary.

Video on the topic

Which antibiotic to take when the temperature rises?

When to give antibiotics to a child with a fever?

Antibiotics for colds in children. How to determine when an antibiotic is needed?

Antibiotics and breastfeeding – Dr. Komarovsky

Antibiotics for children: when they are needed and how to take them?

How to take antibiotics correctly? – Dr. Komarovsky