Resources for the management of children with respiratory tract infections
Introductory section
Most upper respiratory tract infections are viral. In some cases antibiotics may be given just in case, where a prescriber is worried the child may deteriorate and become acutely unwell and require hospital admission. Parents are seeking assurance that their child is not seriously unwell and are looking for advice on what to expect and how to best look after their child while they are sick.
This is a resource for prescribers of children with respiratory tract infections. It brings together information and tools to allow prescribers to make informed choices about when antibiotics would be recommended and when they are unlikely to benefit the patient.
Resources for prescribers
Bronchiolitis assessment pathways
Use of delayed prescriptions of antibiotics for infants and children - statement
Using STARWAVe in practice to predict hospitalisation
Viral respiratory diseases (including infuenza and COVID-19) surveillance in Scotland
Webinar Six - Antibiotics For Children
Resources for parents
The following resources can support prescribers to have conversations with parents:
Caring for children with coughs
Healthier Together - Cough and cold
“I think I need an antibiotic?”
Safety netting and parent information sheets
SAPG Paediatric Stewardship Steering Group | December 2023 for review December 2026
Content updated January 2024
Antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections in Scotland
The graph shows an increase use of antibiotics prescribed for respiratory tract infections. This increased coincides with an increase in RSV infections
