Hyderabad: Surging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is causing children to face infections all year round, rather than just during the flu season. At Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad, paediatricians have noticed a troubling increase in such cases among children under five years.
Dr B Shalini, a senior paediatrician at Niloufer Hospital, pointed out: “Many parents are misusing antibiotics like Azithromycin for minor fevers, often relying on old prescriptions without understanding their proper application. In some alarming cases, even high-end antibiotics like Faropenem — typically reserved for ICU patients — are being administered.”
Experts stress that improper antibiotic use, including incomplete dosages, is leading to recurring infections and contributing significantly to AMR. Despite guidelines, parents often cease administering antibiotics after a few days of symptom relief, instead of completing the prescribed 5–7 day course. Over-the-counter antibiotic purchases also add to the problem.
Dr Ranga Reddy Burri, president of the Infection Control Academy of India (ICFAI), highlighted that viral infections are often misdiagnosed as bacterial ones, resulting in unnecessary antibiotic use. He emphasized that factors like climate change, pollution, and irregular seasonal patterns are weakening children’s natural immunity.
Antibiotic misuse not only eradicates harmful bacteria but also impacts the gut microbiome, which houses mostly beneficial bacteria. Experts warn that the overuse of antibiotics could render common illnesses like flu and colds untreatable, posing severe risks to children.
Paediatricians advocate for increased awareness about flu vaccinations as a preventive measure and stress the importance of following proper guidelines for antibiotic usage.
