Measles: what you need to know
19 December 2025
True or false? Antibiotics will cure the flu.
12 November 2012
False. Antibiotics have no effect against a viral illness like the flu. Rest and fluids are recommended. Antibiotics are medications that fight infections caused by bacteria, the flu is cause by a virus.
“Most cases of flu can be treated at home with plenty of fluids, lots of rest and some chicken soup,” says Dr. Eisman, Director of The Montreal Children’s Hospital ER. While the presence of an associated fever in a child or toddler can be worrying for parents, Dr. Eisman says there is no need to panic. “Fever is a normal response when the body is fighting a virus, but parents can use over the counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to keep their kids comfortable.”
Dr. Eisman recommends that the time to seek medical advice is if your child is less than three months of age with suspected flu, or is lethargic or has fever that persists for 4 to 5 days.
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