Diseases and Medical Conditions

Alcohol: Your Child and Drugs

Children are challenged at younger ages than ever before to try drugs. Use of tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine are serious problems. However, one of the most abused drugs in our society is alcohol. Alcohol is a drug because it acts as a depressant on the nervous system and is very addictive. Though it’s illegal for people under age 21 to drink, we all know that most teenagers are no strangers to alcohol. Many of them are introduced to alcohol during childhood.

Why parents should worry

• About 1 out of 5 fifth graders have been drunk.
• Four out of 10 sixth graders say there is pressure from other students to drink.
• Nearly 80% of high school seniors report having used alcohol.

Alcohol is often the first drug that young people try. Some parents may breathe a sigh of relief when they find out their teen is “only” drinking alcohol. Since alcohol is legal and found in most American homes, parents may think it isn’t dangerous. Not true. Alcohol can be very harmful.

Childhood drinking begins early, often between 11 and 13 years of age, and sometimes even younger. Alcohol is often called a “gateway drug.” When young people like the feeling they get from alcohol, they may be interested in trying other drugs later. This can lead to multiple drug use, which is very dangerous.

The use of alcohol, by itself or with other drugs, can harm your child’s normal growth and development.

Even if a teenager only drinks occasionally, intoxicated behavior can be lethal. Just one drink can impair decision-making and slow down reaction time in any situation. Alcohol is linked with a variety of risky behaviors, such as:

• Crime and serious violence
• Early sexual activity, multiple partners, sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS, and unintended teenage pregnancy
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome—Drinking during pregnancy can cause a baby to be born with major birth defects. No one knows exactly how much alcohol is too much during pregnancy, but the more a mother drinks, the greater the risk to her baby.
• Drunk driving—It is the leading cause of death for young adults, aged 15 to 24 years. In one study, an estimated 6% to 14% of drivers under 21 years of age who were stopped at roadside checkpoints had been drinking. This age group makes up only one fifth of the licensed drivers in the United States, yet they are involved in almost half of all fatal car crashes.

Why young people drink

Young people drink alcohol for a variety of reasons.

• Curiosity—They have heard that getting drunk is fun and they want to find out for themselves.
• They see drinking as a “rite of passage”—something to be experienced on the way to adulthood.
• To get drunk—This explains why they often drink until they are out of control. Binge drinking (consuming five or more drinks in a row for males, four for females) is alarmingly common. Sixteen percent of 8th graders, 25% of 10th graders, and 30% of seniors have reported binge drinking.
• To fit in with friends who are already using alcohol.
• To feel relaxed and to boost self-confidence.
• To escape problems, such as depression, family conflict, trouble in school or with boyfriend or girlfriend.

Stages of alcohol use

The same pattern of use and abuse exists for alcohol as with other drugs such as marijuana or cocaine. Experts have noted the following stages of alcohol use:

Stage 1:
Experimenting with alcohol—There may be strong peer pressure to use alcohol “just for fun” and to be part of the group. Most use happens on weekends. There often is no change in behavior between uses.

Stage 2:
Actively seeking alcohol—Alcohol is used to produce good feelings during times of stress. Usage occurs during the week. Schoolwork may suffer. Changes in behavior may include:

• An increase in time spent alone
• A decline in communication with family members, frequent arguing, and a high level of secretiveness
• Changes in dress and grooming
• Changes in choice of friends
• Repeated or unexplained injuries or fights
• Poor sleeping habits and a lack of energy
• Irregular eating habits
• Bloodshot eyes
• Mood changes, including irritability and depression
• Running away from home
• Attempting suicide

Keep in mind that some of these symptoms occur from time to time in normal, non-alcohol-using teens, and none alone is proof of alcohol or drug use. However, a combination of any of the above symptoms may signal a problem.

Stage 3:
Preoccupation with alcohol—There is an almost total loss of control over the use of alcohol. Attempts to limit alcohol use at this stage can cause withdrawal symptoms of depression, moodiness, and irritability. Alcoholic beverages may disappear from the home. There is a danger of turning to other drugs or stronger forms of liquor. Family possessions may also disappear as the alcohol user seeks money to support his habit. There may be trouble with the law for these same reasons.

The good news

Most adolescents never move beyond the first stage of alcohol use. Whether they do or not depends for the most part on their personality, their family, and their community. For those who do move to the advanced stages, the entire process can take months or years. Many young people and adults receive help too late. This is why early detection is so important.

How to prevent alcohol use and abuse

As with any disease, prevention is the best treatment. Parents must learn the facts about teen alcohol use and abuse to help their children remain alcohol free.

Parents should set a good example at home by limiting their own use of alcohol and other drugs. Parents who don’t drink should be aware that this alone will not guarantee their children and teenagers won’t use alcohol.

Parents who are alcoholics or problem drinkers place their children at increased risk of alcohol dependence. Studies suggest that alcoholism may run in the family. One out of 5 young adults with an alcoholic parent is likely to become an alcoholic too.

Education about alcohol should begin early. Parents can help their children resist alcohol use in these ways:

• Give your child a sense of confidence. This is the best defense against peer pressure. Build your child’s self-esteem with praise and avoid frequent criticism.
• Listen to what your child says. Pay attention, and be helpful during periods of loneliness or doubt.
• Know who your child’s friends are and make a point to get to know them.
• Provide parental supervision. Don’t allow your teen to attend parties where alcohol is being served. Insist that a parent be present at parties to supervise. Contact other parents to arrange alcohol-free social events.
• Offer a “free call home.” Drinking and driving may lead to death. Make sure your child knows not to ride with a driver who has been drinking. Let him know that he can call home without fear of consequences that night. Discuss the incident the next day.
• Help your child learn to handle strong emotions and feelings. Model ways to control stress, pain, or tension.
• Talk about things that are important issues for your child, including alcohol, drugs, and the need for peer-group acceptance.
• Encourage enjoyable and worthwhile outside things to do; avoid turning leisure time into chores.
• Join your child in learning all you can about preventing alcohol abuse. Programs offered in schools, churches, and youth groups can help you both learn more about alcohol abuse.

Your pediatrician understands that good communication between parents and children is one of the best ways to prevent alcohol use. If talking with your teenager about alcohol is difficult, your pediatrician may be able to help open the lines of communication. If you suspect your child is using alcohol or any other drug, ask your pediatrician for advice and help.

Parents who drink

Parents who choose to use alcohol must be careful how it is used in the home. Having a drink should never be shown as a way to cope with problems.

Don’t drink in unsafe conditions—driving the car, mowing the lawn, using the stove, etc. Don’t encourage your child to drink or to join you in having a drink. Never make jokes about getting drunk; make sure that your children understand that it is neither funny nor acceptable. Show your children that there are many ways to have fun without alcohol. Happy occasions and special events don’t have to include drinking.

The information contained in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

Understanding ADHD
Information for Parents About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

	Are there different types of ADHD? Children with ADHD may have one or more of the symptoms listed in Table 1. The symptoms usually are classified as the following types of ADHD:
		Inattentive only (formerly known as attention-deficit disorder [ADD]}—Children with this form of ADHD are not overly active. Because they do not disrupt the classroom or other activities, their symptoms may not be noticed. Among girls with ADHD, this form is most common. Hyperactive/Impulsive—Children with this type of ADHD show both hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but can pay attention. Combined Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive—Children with this type of ADHD show all 3 symptoms. This is the most common type of ADHD.

	How can I tell if my child has ADHD? Remember, it is normal for all children to show some of these symptoms from time to time. Your child may be reacting to stress at school or home. She may be bored or going through a difficult stage of life. It does not mean she has ADHD. Sometimes a teacher is the first to notice inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity and bring these symptoms to the parents’ attention. Perhaps questions from your pediatrician raised the issue. At routine visits, pediatricians often ask questions such as the following:
		How is your child doing in school? Are there any problems with learning that you or your child’s teachers have seen? Is your child happy in school? Is your child having problems completing class work or homework? Are you concerned with any behavior problems in school, at home, or when your child is playing with friends?
	Your answers to these questions may lead to further evaluation for ADHD. If your child is 6 years of age or older and has shown symptoms of ADHD on a regular basis for more than 6 months, discuss this with your pediatrician.

Keep safety in mind If your child shows any symptoms of ADHD, it is very important that you pay close attention to safety. A child with ADHD may not always be aware of dangers and can get hurt easily. Be especially careful around the following: Traffic Firearms Swimming pools Tools such as lawn mowers

	To confirm a diagnosis of ADHD, these behaviors must
		Occur in more than 1 setting, such as home, school and social situations. Be more severe than in other children the same age. Start before the child reaches 7 years of age. (However, these may not be recognized as ADHD symptoms until a child is older.) Continue for more than 6 months. Make it difficult to function at school, at home, and/or in social situations.
	In addition to looking at your child’s behavior, your pediatrician will do a physical examination. A full medical history will be needed to put your child’s behavior in context and screen for other conditions that may affect your child’s behavior. Your pediatrician also will talk to your child about how he acts and feels. Your pediatrician may refer your child to a pediatric subspecialist if there are concerns in one of the following areas:
		Mental retardation Developmental disorders such as speech problems, motor problems, or a learning disability Chronic illness being treated with a medication that may interfere with learning Trouble seeing and/or hearing History of abuse Major anxiety or major depression Severe aggression Possible seizure disorder

	How will my child’s school be involved? For an accurate diagnosis, your pediatrician will need to get information about your child directly from your child’s classroom teacher or another school professional. Children 6 to 12 years of age spend many of their waking hours at school. Teachers provide valuable insights. Your child’s teacher may write a report or discuss the following with your pediatrician:
		Your child’s behavior in the classroom Your child’s learning patterns How long the symptoms have been a problem How the symptoms are affecting your child’s progress at school Ways the classroom program is being adapted to help your child Whether other conditions may be affecting the symptoms In addition, your pediatrician may want to see report cards and samples of your child’s schoolwork

	Coexisting conditions As part of the diagnosis, your pediatrician will look for other conditions that show the same types of symptoms as ADHD. Your child may simply have a different condition or ADHD and another condition. Many children who have been diagnosed with ADHD have at least 1 coexisting condition. Common coexisting conditions include the following:
		Oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder—Up to 35% of children with ADHD also have oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder. Children with oppositional defiant disorder tend to lose their temper easily and annoy people on purpose and are defiant and hostile toward authority figures. Children with conduct disorder break rules, destroy property, and violate the rights of other people. Children with coexisting conduct disorder are at much higher risk for getting into trouble with the law than children who have only ADHD. Studies show that this type of coexisting condition is more common among children with the primarily hyperactive/impulsive and combination types of ADHD. Your pediatrician may recommend counseling for your child if she has this condition. Mood disorders/depression—About 18% of children with ADHD also have mood disorders such as depression. There is frequently a family history of these types of disorders. Coexisting mood disorders may put children at higher risk for suicide, especially during the teenage years. These disorders are more common among children with inattentive and combined types of ADHD. Children with mood disorders or depression often require a different type of medication from those normally used to treat ADHD. Anxiety disorders—These affect about 25% of children with ADHD. Children with anxiety disorders have extreme feelings of fear, worry, or panic that make it difficult to function. These disorders can produce physical symptoms such as racing pulse, sweating, diarrhea and nausea. Counseling and/or medication may be needed to treat these coexisting conditions. Learning disabilities—Learning disabilities are conditions that make it difficult for a child to master specific skills such as reading or math. ADHD is not a learning disability. However, ADHD can make it hard for a child to do well in school. Diagnosing learning disabilities requires evaluations such as IQ and academic achievement tests.

Are there other tests for ADHD?You may have heard theories about other tests for ADHD. There are no other proven tests for ADHD at this time. Many theories have been presented. But studies have shown that the following tests have little value in diagnosing an individual child: Screening for high lead levels in the blood Screening for thyroid problems Computerized continuous performance tests Brain imaging studies such as CAT scans, MRIs, etc Electroencephalogram (EEG) or brain-wave test While these tests are not helpful in diagnosing ADHD, your pediatrician may see other signs or symptoms in your child that warrant blood tests, brain imaging studies, or an EEG.

	What causes ADHD?ADHD is one of the most studied conditions of childhood. But, the cause of ADHD is still not clear at this time. Research to date has shown the following:
		ADHD is a biological disorder. Children with ADHD have problems with chemicals that send messages in the brain. A lower level of activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and activity level may be associated with ADHD. ADHD appears to run in families. Sometimes a parent is diagnosed with ADHD at the same time as the child. In very rare cases, toxins in the environment may lead to ADHD. Very severe head injuries may cause ADHD in some cases.
	There is no evidence that ADHD is caused by the following:
		Eating too much sugar Food additives Allergies Immunizations

	Treatment Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the outlook for most children who receive treatment for ADHD is very encouraging. There is no specific cure for ADHD, but there are many treatment options available. Each child’s treatment must be tailored to meet individual needs. In most cases, treatment for ADHD should include the following:
		A long-term management plan with Target outcomes for behavior Follow-up activities Monitoring   Education about ADHD Teamwork among doctors, parents, teachers, caregivers, other health care professionals, and the child Medication Behavior therapy Parent training Individual and family counseling
	Treatment for ADHD uses the same principles that are used to treat other chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. Long-term planning is needed because these conditions continue or recur for a long time. Families must manage them on an ongoing basis. In the case of ADHD, schools and other caregivers must also be involved in managing the condition. Educating the people involved about ADHD is a key part of treating your child. As a parent, you will need to learn about ADHD. Read about the condition and talk to people who understand it. This will help you manage the ways ADHD affects your child and your family on a day-to-day basis. It will also help your child learn to help himself.
	Setting target outcomes At the beginning of treatment, your pediatrician should set 3 to 6 “target outcomes” (goals) for your child’s behavior. These goals will guide the treatment plan. Your child’s target outcomes should focus on helping her function as well as possible at home, at school, and in your community. The following are examples of target outcomes:
		Improved relationships with parents, siblings, teachers, and friends Better schoolwork More independence in self-care or homework Improved self-esteem Fewer disruptive behaviors Safer behavior in the community (e.g., when crossing streets)
	The target outcomes should be
		Realistic Something your child will be able to do Behaviors that you can observe and measure (e.g., with rating scales)
	Your child’s treatment plan will be set up to help your child achieve these goals.

	Which medication is best for my child? It may take some time to find the best medication, dosage, and schedule for your child. Your child may need to try different types of stimulants. Some children respond to one type of stimulant but not another. The amount of medication (dosage) that your child needs also may need to be adjusted. The dosage is not based solely on her weight. Your pediatrician will vary the dosage over a period of time to get the best results and control possible side effects. The medication schedule also may be adjusted depending on the target outcome. For example, if the goal is to get relief from symptoms at school, your child may take the medication only on school days. It is important for your child to have regular medical checkups to monitor how well the medication is working and check for possible side effects.
	What side effects can stimulants cause? Side effects occur sometimes. These tend to happen early in treatment and are usually mild and short-lived. The most common side effects include the following:
		Decreased appetite/weight loss Sleep problems Headaches Jitteriness Social withdrawal Stomachaches
	Some less common side effects include the following:
		Dry mouth Dizziness Rebound effect (increased activity or a bad mood as the medication wears off) Transient tics
	Very rare side effects include the following:
		Stuttering Increase in blood pressure or heart rate Growth delay
	More than half of children who have tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome also have ADHD. Tourette syndrome is an inherited condition associated with frequent tics and unusual vocal sounds. The effect of stimulants on tics is not predictable, although most studies indicate that stimulants are safe for children with ADHD and tic disorders. Most side effects can be relieved using one of the following strategies:
		Changing the medication dosage Adjusting the schedule of medication Using a different stimulant
	If your child has tried 2 or 3 stimulants and none have helped, or if your child had side effects that could not be controlled, another medication may be an option. Ask your pediatrician for advice. Stimulants may not be an option for children who are taking certain other medications or who have some medical conditions.
	Behavior therapy Most experts recommend using both medication and behavior therapy to treat ADHD. This is known as a multimodal treatment approach. There are many forms of behavior therapy, but all have a common goal—to change the child’s physical and social environments to help the child improve his behavior. Under this approach, parents, teachers, and other caregivers learn better ways to work with and relate to the child with ADHD. You will learn how to set and enforce rules, help your child understand what he needs to do, use discipline effectively, and encourage good behavior. Your child will learn better ways to control his behavior as a result. Behavior therapy has 3 basic principles. Principles for behavior therapy:
		Set specific goals. Set clear goals for your child such as staying focused on homework for a certain time or sharing toys with friends. Provide rewards and consequences. Give your child a specified reward (positive reinforcement) when she shows the desired behavior. Give your child a consequence (unwanted result or punishment) when she fails to meet a goal. Keep using the rewards and consequences. Using the rewards and consequences consistently for a long time will shape your child’s behavior in a positive way.
	Table 3 shows specific behavior therapy techniques that can be effective with children with ADHD

Tips for helping your child control his behavior Keep your child on a daily schedule. Try to keep the time that your child wakes up, eats, bathes, leaves for school, and goes to sleep the same each day. Cut down on distractions. Loud music, computer games, and television can be overstimulating to your child. Make it a rule to keep the TV or music off during mealtime and while your child is doing homework. Whenever possible, avoid taking your child to places that may be too stimulating, like busy shopping malls. Organize your house. If your child has specific and logical places to keep his schoolwork, toys, and clothes, he is less likely to lose them. Save a spot near the front door for his school backpack so he can grab it on the way out the door. Reward positive behavior. Offer kind words, hugs, or small prizes for reaching goals in a timely manner or good behavior. Praise and reward your child’s efforts to pay attention. Set small, reachable goals. Aim for slow progress rather than instant results. Be sure that your child understands that he can take small steps toward learning to control himself. Help your child stay “on task.” Use charts and checklists to track progress with homework or chores. Keep instructions brief. Offer frequent, friendly reminders. Limit choices. Help your child learn to make good decisions by giving your child only 2 or 3 options at a time. Find activities at which your child can succeed. All children need to experience success to feel good about themselves. Use calm discipline. Use consequences such as time-out, removing the child from the situation, or distraction. Sometimes it is best to simply ignore the behavior. Physical punishment, such as spanking or slapping, is not helpful. Discuss your child’s behavior with him when both of you are calm. Treatment plans for ADHD usually require long-term efforts on the part of families and schools. Medication schedules may be complex. Behavior therapies require education and patience. Sometimes it can be hard for everyone to stick with it. Your efforts play an important part in building a healthy future for your child.

	Taking care of yourself also will help your child. Being the parent of a child with ADHD can be tiring and trying. It can test the limits of even the best parents. Parent training and support groups made up of other families who are dealing with ADHD can be a great source of help. Learn stress management techniques to help you respond calmly to your child. Seek counseling if you feel overwhelmed or hopeless. Ask your pediatrician to help you find parent training, counseling, and support groups in your community. Additional resources are listed at the end of this brochure. How can my child’s school help my child? Your child’s school is a key partner in providing effective behavior therapy for your child. In fact, these principles work well in the classroom for most students. Classroom management techniques may include the following:
		Keeping a set routine and schedule for activities Using a system of clear rewards and consequences, such as a point system or token economy (see Table 3) Sending daily or weekly report cards or behavior charts to parents to inform them about the child’s progress Seating the child near the teacher Using small groups for activities Encouraging students to pause a moment before answering questions Keeping assignments short or breaking them into sections Close supervision with frequent, positive cues to stay on task
	Your child’s school should work with you and your pediatrician to develop strategies to assist your child in the classroom. When a child has ADHD that is severe enough to interfere with the child’s ability to learn, two federal laws offer help. These laws require public schools to cover the costs of evaluating the educational needs of the affected child and providing the needed services. The laws are:
		The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B (IDEA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
	If your child has ADHD and a coexisting condition, she may need additional special services such as a classroom aide, private tutoring, special classroom settings, or, in rare cases, a special school. It is important to remember that once diagnosed and treated, children with ADHD are more likely to achieve their goals in school. Keeping the treatment plan on track Ongoing monitoring of your child’s behavior and medications is required to find out if the treatment plan is working. Office visits, phone conversations, behavior checklists, written reports from teachers, and behavior report cards are common tools for following the child’s progress. Ask your pediatrician to help you find ways to keep your child’s treatment plan on track. What if my child does not reach his target outcomes? Most school-aged children with ADHD respond well when their treatment plan includes stimulant medications and behavior therapy. If your child is not achieving his goals, your pediatrician will assess the following factors:
		Were the target outcomes realistic? Is more information needed about the child’s behavior? Is the diagnosis correct? Is another condition hindering treatment? Is the treatment plan being followed? Has the treatment failed? While treatment for ADHD should improve your child’s behavior, it may not completely eliminate the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children who are being treated successfully may still have trouble with their friends or schoolwork. However, if your child clearly is not meeting his specific target outcomes, your pediatrician will reassess the treatment plan.

Teenagers with ADHD The teenage years can be a special challenge. Academic and social demands increase. In some cases, symptoms may appear to be less severe as the child grows older, but, in most cases, ADHD symptoms persist. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 80% of those who required medication for ADHD as children still need it as teenagers. Parents play an important role in helping teenagers become independent. Encourage your teenager to help herself with strategies such as the following: Using a daily planner for assignments and appointments Making lists Keeping a routine Setting aside a quiet time and place to do homework Organizing storage for school supplies, clothes, CDs, sports equipment, etc Being safety conscious (e.g., always wearing seat belts, using protective gear for sports) Talking about problems with someone she trusts Getting enough sleep Activities such as sports, drama, and debate teams can be good places to channel excess energy and develop friendships. Find what your teenager does well and support her efforts to “go for it.” Milestones such as learning to drive and dating offer new freedom and risks. Parents must stay involved and set limits for safety. It remains important for parents of teenagers to keep in touch with teachers and make sure that their teenager’s schoolwork is going well. Talk to your pediatrician if your teenager shows signs of severe problems such as depression, drug abuse, or gang-related activities.

Learn About Diseases That Can Affect Your Preteen

As a loving parent, you can’t help but worry at times abut your child’s health. Although you can’t protect her or him from every illness, you can take steps to help avoid some potentially serious diseases.

Check with your doctor or healthcare professional to see what you can do to help protect your child against these diseases. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”: don’t skip your child’s yearly check-ups.

Chickenpox (Varicella) is easily spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. It causes a blister-like rash on the body. May sometimes lead to skin infections, swelling of the brain, and pneumonia.¹

Diphtheria is caused by a germ that may affect the breathing system. Symptoms may include sore throat and fever. May sometimes lead to difficulty breathing and coma.¹

Hepatitis A is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). It’s usually caused by putting objects contaminated with hepatitis A virus in the mouth or by having infected food or water. Symptoms may include yellow skin or eyes, tiredness, stomachache, loss of appetite, or nausea.¹

Hepatitis B is an illness that affects the liver. It is spread through infected blood and other body fluids. Symptoms may include yellow skin or eyes, tiredness, stomachache, loss of appetite, nausea, or joint pain. May sometimes lead to ongoing liver illness, including liver cancer.¹

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus. Most types of HPV are harmless, like the ones that cause common warts on the hands and feet. For most people, the body’s own defense system will clear the virus. However, certain types of HPV may sometimes cause cervical cancer and abnormal cervical cells. Other types may sometimes cause genital warts. HPV often has no signs or symptoms.²

Measles is caused by a virus. Symptoms may include rash, high fever, coughing, runny nose, and watery eyes. May sometimes lead to ear infections, pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and seizures.¹

Meningococcal Disease is caused by a germ that can be spread from person to person by close contact. Symptoms may include fever, rash, headache, or stiff neck. May sometimes lead to shock and inflammation around the brain.³

Mumps is a virus that mainly affects the glands near the jaw. Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle ache, and swelling around the jaw. May sometimes lead to inflammation around the brain, pancreas, testicles or ovaries, and hearing loss.¹

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a bacterial infection that causes violent coughing and difficulty breathing. Coughing may be so violent that it leads to difficulty eating or drinking. May sometimes lead to pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and occasionally, death.¹

Rubella (German Measles) is a virus that causes rash and fever. It is spread by coughing and sneezing. Especially a concern for pregnant women.¹

Tetanus (Lockjaw) is a disease of the nervous system caused by a germ. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound. Symptoms are painful muscle spasms, lockjaw, and difficulty swallowing. May sometimes lead to death.¹

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine-preventable childhood diseases. Available at:www.cdc.gov/nip/diseases/child-vpd.htm.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV infection fact sheet. Available at: www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal disease. Available at:www.cdc.org/meningococcal.

Your Child and Antibiotics
Unnecessary Antibiotics CAN Be Harmful

About antibiotics

Antibiotics are among the most powerful and important medicines known. When used properly they can save lives, but used improperly, they can actually harm your child. Antibiotics should not be used to treat viral infections.

Bacteria and viruses

Two main types of germs—bacteria and viruses—cause most infections. In fact, viruses cause most coughs and sore throats and all colds. Bacterial infections can be cured by antibiotics, but common viral infections never are. Your child recovers from these common viral infections when the illness has run its course.

Resistant bacteria

New strains of bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics. These bacteria are not killed by the antibiotic. Some of these resistant bacteria can be treated with more powerful medicines, which may need to be given by vein (IV) in the hospital, and a few are already untreatable. The more antibiotics prescribed, the higher the chance that your child will be infected with resistant bacteria.

How bacteria become resistant

Each time we take antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant ones may be left to grow and multiply. Repeated use and improper use of antibiotics are some of the main causes of the increase in resistant bacteria. These resistant bacteria can also be spread to others in the family and community.

When are antibiotics needed, and when are they not needed?

This complicated question is best answered by your doctor, and the answer depends on the specific diagnosis. Here are a few examples:

• Ear infections. There are several types; most need antibiotics, but some do not.
• Sinus infections. Most children with thick or green mucus do not have sinus infections.  Antibiotics are needed for some long-lasting or severe cases.
• Cough or bronchitis. Children rarely need antibiotics for bronchitis.
• Sore throat. Most cases are caused by viruses. Only one main kind, “strep throat,” requires antibiotics. This kind must be diagnosed by a laboratory test.
• Colds. Colds are caused by viruses and may sometimes last for 2 weeks or more. Antibiotics have no effect on colds, but your doctor may have suggestions for comfort measures while the illness runs its course.

The infection may change

Viral infections may sometimes lead to bacterial infections. But treating viral infections with antibiotics to prevent bacterial infections does not work, and may lead to infection with resistant bacteria. Keep your doctor informed if the illness gets worse or lasts a long time, so that proper treatment can be given, as needed.

You can protect your child from resistant bacteria

Learn about the differences between bacterial and viral infections, and talk to your child’s doctor about them. Understand that antibiotics should not be used for viral infections.