Look Who it Was Random video

Going Anti on Antibiotics

93 views · Published 6 November 2015 · 1:51 · Indexed 8 November 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

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Who doesn’t want a pill to cure what ails them? But many times, antibiotics aren’t the answer.

“The expectation that your child with a runny nose and cold and cough is given antibiotics and is going to be cured is often sort of misplaced,” says Dr. Martin Sherman, a pediatrician with Lee Memorial Health System. 

Many of the illnesses that spread though the pediatric population are viral and, with very few exceptions, are undeterred by antibiotics.

“For instance, the flu, we have anti viral drugs that can speed along the flu. But the run of the mill cold, respiratory, gastrointestinal virus we see, we have no antibiotics or no anti viral drugs to treat them,” says Dr. Sherman. 

Parents pushing for meds to help their sick children is becoming a major health issue. Scientists warn the overuse of antibiotics is leading to the rise of super-bugs. The development of drug-resistant bacteria is making it harder to fight infectious disease.

“Six or seven years ago we had about 10 or 12 oral antibiotics that would work on most ear infections. But we’re really down to three or four now because the germs are now resistant,” says Dr. Sherman. 

A doctor visit is still warranted in determining the nature of a sickness. If it is viral, your pediatrician can tell you what to expect and how to provide relief.

“Usually symptomatic medications possibly pain relievers, simple remedies like honey for a cough or vaporization to loosen mucus. But really what we are doing is providing guidance and reassurance,” says Dr. Sherman. 

It may be painful for a parent to watch, but being anti on antibiotics is often in the best interest of their child. 

View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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