The long wait for a diagnosis of infections in children could be what's behind New Zealand's high rate of antibiotic prescriptions.
On average, they've taken at least eight courses by that age.
Microbiologist, Dr Siouxie Wiles, told Rachel Smalley doctors have to wait for the bacteria to grow, to find out what an infection is.
"I can see why some doctors would be reluctant not to prescribe while they're waiting for tests to come back," she said.
Wiles said faster tests haven't been developed yet - but they could be the answer to less prescriptions.
LISTEN ABOVE AS DR SIOUXIE WILES SPEAKS WITH RACHEL SMALLEY
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