Child care providers can help ensure the correct use of children’s antibiotics.
Antibiotics are not effective against common viral infections that cause cold symptoms and ear infections. Help keep the children in your care healthy by being aware of when antibiotics are needed and how to use them.
Recommendations
Let the child’s health care provider decide whether antibiotics are needed.
Don’t insist that a child be on antibiotics before returning to childcare.
If antibiotics have been prescribed for a child, make sure that they are all taken as scheduled.
Make sure that children are up-to-date on immunizations. Vaccines can prevent illnesses so that antibiotics aren’t needed.
Sometimes rest, fluids, and "TLC" (Tender Loving Care) are the best medicine.
Prevent illness by helping children wash their hands:
Before eating
After blowing their noses
After using the toilet
Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections.
