Question 1

Do antibiotics treat a cold, flu, or most coughs in children?

Accepted Answer

No. Colds, most coughs, sore throats, and seasonal flu are caused by viruses. Antibiotics act only on bacteria, so they do not shorten a viral illness and they expose your child to side effects for no benefit. A pediatrician can tell you whether the cause is bacterial (for example, strep throat, a confirmed ear infection with fluid, or a urinary tract infection) before prescribing.

Question 2

Can I stop my child's antibiotic when they feel better?

Accepted Answer

Finish the course your pediatrician prescribed unless the doctor tells you to stop. Symptoms often improve within 48 to 72 hours, but bacteria can still be present. Stopping early raises the risk of the infection returning and contributes to antibiotic resistance. Current pediatric guidance favors shorter, targeted courses set by the clinician, not by how your child feels on day three.

Question 3

How long does amoxicillin take to work in kids?

Accepted Answer

Most children with a bacterial ear or chest infection start to feel better within 48 to 72 hours of starting amoxicillin. If your child still has high fever, increasing pain, or worsening symptoms after 72 hours, call your pediatrician. That can signal the wrong antibiotic, a resistant organism, or a different diagnosis.

Question 4

Is amoxiclav (Augmentin) the same as amoxicillin?

Accepted Answer

No. Amoxiclav combines amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, which extends coverage to bacteria that produce beta-lactamase. It is reserved for specific infections where plain amoxicillin is not enough. It also causes more stomach upset and diarrhea, so it should not be swapped in for amoxicillin without a pediatrician's instruction.

Question 5

Can I give my child probiotics with an antibiotic?

Accepted Answer

There is reasonable evidence that certain probiotic strains reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children. Give the probiotic at least two hours apart from the antibiotic dose so the live cultures are not killed. Ask your pediatrician about a strain and dose appropriate for your child's age and weight before adding anything.