What is the difference between a bacterial infection and a virus, and how can you tell them apart? Parents Ask experts Cara Natterson, MD, Scott Cohen, MD, FAAP, and Bonnie Zucker, Psy.D., explain the key differences, and how not knowing can have dangerous effects.
Dr. Cara Natterson: "Antibiotics ONLY treat bacterial infections"
-Strep throat, UTI, and bacterial pneumonia
-Viral is Cold, flu and viral pneumonia
-Incorrect use of antibiotics can create resistance to certain forms of bacteria so it's important to make sure medicines are taken only when needed.
-Viral infections simply need to run their course!
Dr. Scott Cohen: "Bacterial infections are usually more severe"
-Fever under 2 months old, longer than 3 days or unresponsive, labored breathing, rash with small red dots
-Many vaccines protect against the bacterial infections that can be dangerous, so make sure to stay up to date on those immunizations
Dr. Bonnie Zucker, Psy.D: "Your kids will follow your lead!"
-You need to be the one to break the news about when they will have shots/vaccinations. Give them as much information as possible so that your child can predict what will happen
-Most importantly: Stay calm! The calmer that you are, the calmer they will be to manage their own reactions. Be confident and brave, so they can be too!
See Also:
-Vitamin D Helps Fend Off Flu and Asthma in Children
-Swine Flu: Is it Safe for Pregnant Women?
-Day Care Sends Sick Kids Home Unnecessarily
Walgreens is excited to announce our partnership with Parents Ask. This video series brings you the most trusted parenting advice from the nation's leading experts in the medical, behavioral and health & fitness fields. It's what you need - and want - to know in order to stay well.
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