Why You Probably Don’t Need Antibiotics for a Tooth Extraction
Most simple extractions do not require antibiotics—removing the tooth is usually enough to clear the infection. Complex extractions may require antibiotics.
The sinuses are air filled spaces around the nose and eyes. Sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when fluid builds up in the sinuses. Sinusitis most often occurs after a cold but most colds do not lead to bacterial sinusitis. The symptoms of sinusitis are more severe and last longer than a cold.
Why You Probably Don’t Need Antibiotics for a Sinus Infection
While both bacteria and viruses can cause sinusitis, viruses are up to 200 times more common. Therefore, antibiotics are unlikely to work for most sinus infections.
NOTE: If symptoms are accompanied by a sore throat and/or cough, see Colds and/or Influenza.
Symptoms of Sinus Infection
Facial pain or pressure, headache, toothache, feeling tired, cough, fever.
Blocked nose with yellow or green nasal discharge that lasts for more than 10 days is a sign that you may need antibiotics.
Management of Sinus Infection
Consider using acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil) for pain and fever. Ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age without first speaking to your health care provider. Please follow dosing instructions on the box or speak to a doctor or pharmacist for more information.
For children, use saltwater drops or spray to help relieve nasal discharge; for adults, saltwater washes are more effective.
Decongestants may relieve stuffiness but will not shorten the length of the illness. NOTE: Do not give these products to infants or children under the age of six years. NOTE: Decongestants might also contain fever reducing medication. Read labels carefully and check with your pharmacist or doctor to avoid overdosing.
In British Columbia, you can call HealthLink BC (at 8-1-1) or visit healthlinkbc.ca if you need advice or are unsure of the best course of action.
Why You Probably Don’t Need Antibiotics for Bronchitis
Most bronchitis in individuals with otherwise healthy lungs is caused by a virus. Most coughs in adults and children are caused by viral infections of the respiratory tract. Antibiotics should be used for a cough only if the individual has pneumonia due to bacteria or tests positive for pertussis (whooping cough). NOTE: Patients with severe long-term lung disease sometimes get a bacterial infection when they get bronchitis, and may need antibiotics.
Symptoms of Bronchitis
Fever, cough, and chest pain.
Coughing up mucus that may be yellow or green. This does not mean it is a bacterial infection.
Wheezing may occur. NOTE: With viral bronchitis, 1 in 2 people still cough after 2 weeks. 1 in 4 people still cough after 3 weeks.
Management of Bronchitis
Drink plenty of fluids such as water.
Cough suppressants may help older children and adults. NOTE: Do not give these products to infants or children under the age of six years. NOTE: Cough syrup might also contain fever reducing medication. Read labels carefully and check with your pharmacist or doctor to avoid overdosing.
Plain cough drops or lozenges may help older children and adults. Avoid antibacterial cough drops because they can lead to antibiotic resistance. NOTE: Cough drops should not be given to children less than six years of age because of the risk of choking.
In British Columbia, you can call HealthLink BC (at 8-1-1) or visit healthlinkbc.ca if you need advice or are unsure of the best course of action.
Speak to your primary health care provider if you are worried by the way your child is behaving, if they are having trouble breathing, they have worsening symptoms.
Laryngitis is caused by a virus. Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice box, or larynx that causes your voice to become raspy or hoarse. Most coughs in adults and children are caused by viral infections of the respiratory tract. Antibiotics should be used for a cough only if the individual has pneumonia due to bacteria or tests positive for pertussis (whooping cough).
Why You Don’t Need Antibiotics for Laryngitis
Because laryngitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics do not work to treat laryngitis.
Symptoms of Laryngitis
Hoarseness
Weak voice or voice loss
Sore or dry throat
Cough
Management of Laryngitis
Drink plenty of fluids such as water.
Cough suppressants may help older children and adults. NOTE: Do not give these products to infants or children under the age of six years. NOTE: Cough syrup might also contain fever reducing medication. Read labels carefully and check with your pharmacist or doctor to avoid overdosing.
Plain cough drops or lozenges may help older children and adults. Avoid antibacterial cough drops because they can lead to antibiotic resistance. NOTE: Cough drops should not be given to children less than six years of age because of the risk of choking.
In British Columbia, you can call HealthLink BC (at 8-1-1) or visit healthlinkbc.ca if you need advice or are unsure of the best course of action.
Speak to your primary health care provider if you are worried by the way your child is behaving, they are having trouble swallowing or having trouble breathing.
Influenza or flu is caused by a virus. Adults with influenza can spread the virus to others for 3–5 days after symptoms begin. Children with influenza can spread the virus to others for up to 7 days.
Why You Don’t Need Antibiotics for Flu
Because the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not work.
Symptoms of Flu
Fever/chills
Headache
Muscle or body aches
Feeling tired
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose/sneezing
Cough
Prevention of Flu
Get an annual influenza vaccine for you and your children.
Wash your hands, especially after you are with someone who is sick. Teach your child about handwashing.
Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Teach your child to do the same.
Management of Flu
Drink plenty of fluids such as water.
Get plenty of rest or allow your child to get plenty of rest. Stay at home or keep your child at home for the first few days of illness to rest and to prevent spreading it to others.
Consider using acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil) for fever, headache, and body aches. Ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age without first speaking to your health-care provider. Please follow dosing instructions on the box or speak to a doctor or pharmacist for more information.
In British Columbia, you can call HealthLink BC (at 8-1-1) or visit healthlinkbc.ca if you need advice or are unsure of the best course of action.
Colds are caused by viruses. There are about 200 different viruses that cause colds. Children can get 8–10 colds per year. Adults get fewer colds because they have built up immunity against some of the viruses.
Why You Don’t Need Antibiotics for Colds
Antibiotics do not work against cold viruses.
Symptoms of Colds
At the beginning: headache, fever, and watery eyes, followed by runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and cough.
Fluid from the nose is clear at first but turns thick yellow or green.
Prevention of Colds
Wash your hands to prevent spread of the viruses that cause colds.
Teach your children to wash their hands.
Management of Colds
Drink plenty of water, at whatever temperature is most soothing.
Consider using acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or ibuprofen (like Advil) if the person with the cold is uncomfortable. Ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age without first speaking to your health care provider. Please follow dosing instructions on the box or speak to a doctor or pharmacist for more information.
If you have a cold or are caring for someone with a cold, wash your hands often to prevent infecting others.
A decongestant or cough syrup might help symptoms but will not shorten the length of the cold. NOTE: Do not give these products to infants or children under the age of six years. NOTE: Decongestants and cough syrup might also contain fever reducing medication. Read labels carefully and check with your pharmacist or doctor to avoid overdosing.
Use salt-water (saline) nose drops to treat stuffiness, especially for infants and toddlers. Use commercial salt-water drops or sprays (not contact lens solution). Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.
To use salt-water drops:
Tilt head back slightly, do not lie down. Put the tip of the dropper at the base of the nostril. Gently drip 1-2 drops of saline into one nostril. Repeat for other side. Wipe the dropper with a clean cloth or tissue after each use.
In British Columbia, you can call HealthLink BC (at 8-1-1) or visit healthlinkbc.ca if you need advice or are unsure of the best course of action.
Speak to your primary health care provider if you are worried by the way your child is behaving, if they are having trouble breathing, or they have a new or worsening symptom. For more information on when to seek additional medical advice please see HealthLinkBC.
