Antibiotic Resistance: What Parents Need to Know About Overuse

First published March 2017
Updated May 2026

Runny nose, cough and congestion are very common in the winter and spring, and parents often ask if their child would recover faster with antibiotics. Antibiotics are life-saving drugs that kill some types of germs (bacteria) but also have side effects and can stop working for some bacteria if they are overused in either one person or in a community.

It is important to know that there are two kinds of germs: viruses (such as that which causes the common cold) and bacteria. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, not viral illnesses. Viral illnesses do not respond to antibiotics. This means that antibiotics are not needed for:

• Colds or flu
• Most coughs
• Sore throats not caused by strep
• Runny noses

More than 200 viruses can cause the common cold, and infections can spread from person to person through the air and close personal contact. Every year, adults have an average of two to three colds, and children have even more, especially if they attend daycare.

Common Cold Symptoms

When germs that cause colds first infect the nose, the nose makes clear mucus. This helps wash the germs from the nose and sinuses. After two or three days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color. This is normal and does not mean you or your child needs antibiotics. Other signs and symptoms of the common cold can include:

• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Post-nasal drip (mucus dripping down your throat)
• Watery eyes
• Mild headache
• Mild body aches

These symptoms usually peak within two to three days but can last for up to 10 to 14 days. Antibiotics cannot cure the common cold.

The Downside of Antibiotics

Antibiotics can make bacteria more resistant, making future infections harder to treat. Antibiotics also have other side effects, like diarrhea, rashes, allergic reactions and yeast infections. Antibiotics are lifesaving medications, but we need to use them wisely and only when needed. Trained clinicians decide if antibiotics are needed based on clinical symptoms.

Questions for Your Child’s Doctor

• Ask specifically why they feel your child does or does not need antibiotics. If your doctor believes that your child will not be helped by antibiotics, they have a good reason. Never pressure your doctor for antibiotics, as it may lead to more harm for your child. Instead, ask for the best treatment for your child’s illness.
• Ask if watchful waiting is right for your child. Some bacterial infections, like mild sinus and ear infections, can get better without antibiotics. Your doctor may recommend watchful waiting, meaning waiting a few days to see if your child gets better before deciding to prescribe antibiotics.
• Ask about side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects of antibiotics.
• Throw leftover antibiotics away. Never save antibiotics for future illnesses, take antibiotics prescribed for others, or share antibiotics with others. Talk to your pharmacist about how to dispose of leftover antibiotics.