New Push to Limit Antibiotic Use in Kids

New guidelines aim to rein in excess use of antibiotics in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed the guidelines with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goal is to educate parents and doctors about the risks of using antibiotics for upper respiratory infections when they are not needed. Experts say more careful use will help stem the tide of antibiotic resistance. A CDC report in September noted that 2 million people in the United States each year get infections that are resistant to antibiotics. That means the drugs are no longer effective. The report also said that at least 23,000 people die each year as a result. The AAP published the guidelines in its journal Pediatrics. Their release was part of the Get Smart About Antibiotics Week campaign. HealthDay news wrote about the guidelines Nov. 18.