Does my child need antibiotics?
This is a difficult problem for parents when they have a sick child , are worried and probably have lost sleep.
In reality alot of childhood infections such as coughs, sore ears and sore throats and nasal symptoms of either runny or blocked nose are caused by viruses which antibiotics do not cure .
It is generally best to allow the child's immune system to fight off the infection without antibiotics. The world experts are saying now to use antibiotics only when really needed as people are getting immune to them.
Buy a thermometer so that you can accurately measure the temperature.
read the signs of meningitis and check out the website patient.co.uk and nhschoices for meningitis
However as a parent listen to your instinct . Children can get ill very quickly ( and thankfully better very quickly) - if you are worried discuss it with the doctor. If a temperature or fever persists , if a child does not improve, or they have a rash that does not disappear on pressing discuss this with the doctor.
Signs of menitis include;
shaking fits
dislike of the light
a headache
a sore neck
a high pitched cry
being very sleepy
hot but cold hands and feet