Child Often Sick – Is Antibiotic Necessary Every Time? Hear from Dr Low Child Doctor BP Johor!
Dr Low Child Specialist Clinic Batu Pahat
Child Often Sick – Is Antibiotic Necessary Every Time? Hear from Dr Low!
Many parents worry when their child frequently gets a cold, cough, or fever, and their first instinct is often to get antibiotics – sometimes directly from the pharmacy. But is this the right approach?
In a recent Facebook Live session with Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat and Klinik Ezna, Dr Low Han Nee, Consultant Paediatrician Batu Pahat Johor, shared important medical advice every parent should hear.
❌ Antibiotics Are Not Needed Every Time
Dr Low firmly stated: “No, antibiotics are not necessary every time a child is sick.”
According to him, 80–90% of upper respiratory infections in children are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Common viral infections include:
- COVID-19
- Influenza
- RSV
- Adenovirus
Viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics only fight bacteria. Using them when they’re not needed not only fails to help—but can actually cause harm.unaan antibiotik tanpa preskripsi hanya memburukkan keadaan.
🧠 Getting Sick Helps Build Immunity
“Jangan takut jika anak anda sering sakit pada usia kecil, itu adalah Dr Low emphasized that frequent sickness in toddlers and young children is a natural part of developing their immune system.
“When children start daycare or are exposed to new environments, they naturally fall sick more often,” he explained. “This is how their body learns to defend itself.”
Typically, once children reach the age of around 7 (Primary One), they become sick far less frequently as their immunity strengthens.
⚠️ The Danger of Misusing Antibiotics
Penggunaan antibiotik tanpa perlu atau tidak menghabiskan dos yang disarMisusing antibiotics or not completing the full course can lead to:
- Antibiotic resistance – bacteria mutate and become harder to kill
- Superbugs – infections that no longer respond to standard treatments
- Worsening future infections – incomplete treatment may allow bacteria to evolve
Dr Low warned: “Bacteria are clever. If we use antibiotics incorrectly, they mutate—just like ‘X-Men’—and eventually, we may have no medication strong enough to treat them.”
✅ What Should Parents Do Instead?
- Never buy antibiotics over the counter without a prescription
- Always consult a qualified doctor for proper assessment
- Complete the entire antibiotic course if prescribed
- Stick with one trusted doctor to track your child’s medical progress accurately
👨⚕️ Final Words: Let Doctors Decide What’s Best
Letting your child’s body build immunity is part of growing up. But using antibiotics irresponsibly can create bigger health risks.
If you’re concerned about your child’s health, it’s always best to consult a specialist like Dr Low Han Nee at Dr Low Child Specialist Clinic Batu Pahat. With proper medical guidance, your child can grow stronger, healthier, and safer.
#DrLowHanNee #ChildOftenSick #AntibioticAwareness #ChildSpecialistBatuPahat #PantaiHospitalBatuPahat #KlinikEzna #PediatricCareBP #ChildHealthEducation #ChildClinicBP
