Question:
If my child has both ears hurting, is under the age of 2, or has high fever (over 102F), or ear drainage, or an effusion, should I get them an antibiotic?
Answer:
Yes
MedHead Confidence Score: 6
Amount Saved: $50 medical research
MedHead Message:
Look, urgent care centers aren’t completely worthless…There are times you DO need antibiotics, and if your child has any or all of these symptoms, they likely need an antibiotic. My goal is to keep you from wasting money going to urgent care because they’ll typically always give you an antibiotic, even if your child doesn’t need it.
References:
1. Venekamp RP, Sanders SL, Glasziou PP, Del Mar CB, Rovers MM. Antibiotics for acute otitis media in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD000219. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000219.pub4. 2. Venekamp RP, Burton MJ, van Dongen TMA, van der Heijden GJ, van Zon A, Schilder AGM. Antibiotics for otitis media with effusion in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2016, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD009163. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009163.pub3.
