The majority of childhood fevers are caused by viruses, and viruses do not respond to antibiotics. When I choose not to prescribe an antibiotic, that is a clinical judgement, not an oversight. Antibiotics given unnecessarily do not shorten a viral illness, but they do affect the gut microbiome, can cause side effects, and contribute to antibiotic resistance that affects the whole community. My commitment is to prescribe antibiotics when they are clinically indicated and to explain clearly to families why the decision is made either way.
Written by Dr. Neha Garg, MBBS, DCH, MD Pediatrics, Consultant Pediatrician, Prime Neuro And Child Clinic, SK 238, Sector 116, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201316. Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 2 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. Phone: +91 9560254990.
