Antibiotics or not? WWYD?

[LifesTooShortYOLO]

DS has been poorly this week with a cold and thismorning he saw the doctors because he was up in the night last night saying his ear hurt and she said he has an ear infection.
She said it’s most likely viral but could be bacterial.
Mostly they clear on their own.
Watch and see about antibiotics.
I have them at home made up and haven’t started them yet.
I don’t know what to do about the antibiotics, he hasn't eaten today but is drinking well, and he is laid up looking poorly, has a temp of 38.8.
Would you wait and hold off on the antibiotics?
He had two courses of oral Amoxicillin back in May without anyone looking at his ear so now I’m worried about giving him them again as that will be 3 doses in 6 months.
But I don’t want him to get worse so I'm debating whether to start them 😕
Any help greatly appreciated thank you x

I'd hold off if the Dr has said wait and watch. It's better if his immune system clears it on its own. Antibiotic resistance is becoming a terrifyingly real problem.

Ear infections are notorious for making children particular hot as miserable! It's very unlikely the antibiotics will shorten the duration of the illness, several days is pretty common. So cuddles and reassurance, plus pain relief are better things to focus on. The temperature itself is a normal and natural part of illness and on its own not something to worry about too much.

Thanks for the replies!
He seems brighter today and playing with his toys being his cheeky self, but says his ear hurts now and again.
Would you get a fever with a viral ear infection?

Yeah, you get a fever with most infections or viruses. It isn't the virus that causes it, its the immune system. Most viruses do best at body temperature, so the immune system heats up the body in an attempt to kill it.

That's why they say not to interfere with a fever unless the fever itself is becoming a problem.

Thanks. He says it doesn't hurt but he can hear his heart beating in his ear? Does this mean it's not getting any better?

Ibuprofen will be the quickest way to get rid of the pain for him.
Alternate with Calpol 2 hourly.
My DS had a temp with his ear infection too.

@OinkPinkPonk

Ibuprofen will be the quickest way to get rid of the pain for him. Alternate with Calpol 2 hourly. My DS had a temp with his ear infection too.

Thank you. Did you Little one have antibiotics or did it clear on its own?

No I'd say its improving if it's stopped hurting.

Still sounds a bit blocked but getting there. Ear infections usually take a couple weeks to clear. Lack of pain is a good sign. I take it he can still hear in that ear?

Thank you. Did you Little one have antibiotics or did it clear on its own?

Ended up with AB.
I tried to manage afew days before with painkillers thinking he just had a temp. Went to get him checked at GP, advised what I was doing days prior and it obv wasn't helping so got meds.

Ugh guys I've just given his first dose of antibiotics.
He started with the ear pain Thursday Night and I've held out and watched to see how he went and today he seemed to park up but in the last hour he's gone downhill quite quickly.
Says he's really tired and his ear is hurting when he touches on it it lays down. He's just fallen asleep now.
Maybe his ear would still have been hurting even if he was fighting it himself? Who knows 😩 I'm so confused I feel like I've gone round in circles.
Hope I've done the right thing 🥺 x