I agree with Dr. Newman's statements.  The pediatric literature now supports
not using antibiotics on questionable ear infections.  I think most people
will treat the child with a fever, red, bulging eardrum, and pain with
antibiotics (I also treat these); however, the ear that is slightly red or
perhaps just has some middle ear fluid in a child with a viral URI and isn't
painful does not need antibiotics.  Antibiotics have been grossly overused and
the bacteria are becoming more and more resistant.  Being conservative in
antibiotic use will help to keep antibiotics useful for those cases in which
they are needed.

Linda L. Shaw MD FAAP