Dr Phil Kieran: Does my child need a second antibiotic?

Frequently, I talk to people who feel the course of antibiotics should be longer than the one they received, but I point out that antibiotics are meant to help the immune system clear the infection. The full recovery often happens only with time.

A persistent cough after a respiratory infection can be one of the most irritating things to deal with. Picture: iStock 

The whole family was sick with chest infections before Christmas. We got through with the help of antibiotics. My youngest child, aged 11, hasn’t fully recovered and occasionally has coughing fits. Should I ask the doctor for a second round of antibiotics, or would it be better to let nature take its course?

A persistent cough after a respiratory infection can be one of the most irritating things to deal with. Unfortunately, it can take children longer to recover from it than it does for adults.