The guideline “ Respiratory tract infections – antibiotic prescribing ” includes suggestions for safe methods of implementing alternatives to an immediate antibiotic prescription – including the 'delayed' antibiotic prescription in context to practical guidance for antibiotic prescribing for all of the common, acute, uncomplicated, RTIs, with recommendations for targeting of antibiotics. Most people will develop an acute respiratory tract infection (RTI) every year. RTIs are also the commonest acute problem dealt with in primary care – the 'bread and butter' of daily practice.
Management of acute RTIs in the past concentrated on advising prompt antibiotic treatment of presumptive bacterial infections. However, in modern developed countries, rates of major complications are now low. In addition, there is no convincing evidence, either from international comparisons or from evidence…
