Parents Erroneously Bring Kids to ER for Colds

The common cold is caused by viruses and usually resolves on its own without medical treatment. Despite this, large numbers of people seek medical care for colds each year—an issue that has persisted for decades.

In a 2003 survey of nearly 200 families with at least one child between six months and five years of age, almost 25% of parents said they would take their child to the emergency room for a cold. Although 93% understood that colds are caused by viruses, 66% also believed colds were caused by bacteria, and 53% believed antibiotics were needed to treat them [1].

Antibiotic Overuse Continues

A recent study found that although only about 8% of hospitalized children with viral lung infections had a confirmed bacterial infection, 40–60% still received antibiotics. Antibiotic use was highest in children who appeared more severely ill, even when no bacterial infection was proven. This highlights ongoing antibiotic overuse and the need for improved antibiotic stewardship in viral respiratory infections [2].

Research shows that emergency room visits, urgent care visits, and doctor’s office appointments for colds contribute significantly to healthcare costs. These visits often lead to unnecessary testing and antibiotic prescriptions, even though antibiotics do not treat viral infections.

Studies also show that once a person receives antibiotics for a cold, they are more likely to return for future colds expecting similar treatment. This pattern increases medical costs and contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing public health concern.

Better understanding of when medical care is truly needed—and when supportive care is sufficient—can reduce unnecessary healthcare use, protect the microbiome, and help slow the spread of antibiotic resistance.