Docs warn against giving antibiotics to kids suffering from viral infections

Docs warn against giving antibiotics to kids suffering from viral infections

Yashaswini.Sri@timesofindia.com 22.11.2024 

Bengaluru : Doctors are urging parents to think twice before administering antibiotics to children sans advice, cautioning that unnecessary use not only fails to treat common viral infections but also contributes to the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance. “Cold, cough and mild fever in children are overwhelmingly caused by viruses, which antibiotics cannot treat,” said Dr Manvanthar M, senior specialist in paediatrics and PICU at Aster RV Hospital. 

He recently led a study, examining 104 respiratory infection cases from Bengaluru, revealing that 60% were viral, while only 40% were bacterial among children. A majority of viral cases were caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) at 52%, followed by influenza (33%), H1N1 (17.4%) and rhinovirus (14.2%). He added, “Influenza peaks in Aug, while rhinovirus and RSV dominate in Sept. Viral illnesses spread rapidly — if a father falls ill today and the child the next day, it’s likely to be viral. Unlike bacterial pneumonias, which require antibiotics and longer recovery times, viral pneumonias often improve within 48 hours with proper care.” Dr Yogesh Kumar Gupta, paediatrician at Fortis Hospital, supported this stance, saying that 90% of the 30-35 children he sees daily with respiratory illnesses are viral cases.

 “Rampant misuse of antibiotics, especially for viral illnesses, is fuelling antibiotic resistance, a growing concern. If unchecked, we may face a future where routine infections become untreatable,” he added. Dr Vishal V Jali, consultant intensivist and paediatrician, Motherhood Hospitals, told TOI that out of every 100 infection cases among children he sees, 70 are viral. “Children’s viral illnesses often re solve with time and care, while bacterial infections, though less common, need targeted antibiotics. Judicious use is vital to protect children’s health now and in future.” Dr Ravali Polepaka, consultant paediatrician, TriLife Hospital, highlighted the widespread misconceptions about antibiotics. 

“Many parents believe starting antibiotics early ensures quicker recovery or limits disease spread. This leads to self-medication, using leftover prescriptions, over-the-counter antibiotics, or even those meant for siblings or adults. Others stop or change antibiotics within 48 hours if there’s no improvement, which is counterproductive. The first step is identifying whether the illness is bacterial or viral, and then assessing its severity. For mild cases like cold or flu, letting the illness run its course is better to prevent resistance. If antibiotics are prescribed, it’s crucial to complete the full course to avoid recurrence