Supporting antimicrobial prescribing guidance*
For customers asking about antibiotics, NICE and PHE have put together guidance in relation to managing common infections. One key element is how long customers should be advised to self care for before consulting their GP. Below are some examples of conditions customers may present with, the advice you can give and how long symptoms are likely to persist. Always refer to the pharmacist as appropriate.
| Condition | Duration of symptoms | Advice |
|
Acute sore throat |
Around one week | Use suitable pain relief, such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or medicated sprays and/or medicated lozenges. Symptoms that have come on suddenly, purulence, severe inflammation or fever should be referred to the pharmacist. |
|
Acute otitis media (inner ear infection) |
About three days (can be up to a week) |
Use suitable pain relief. Refer the following to the pharmacist: Customers who are generally unwell, affected with discharge from the ear and children. |
|
Sinusitis |
If it’s viral, it can last up to 10 days. If it lasts more than 10 days it is likely to be bacterial |
Use suitable pain relief, saline nasal drops/spray or decongestants. Remember to advise customers how long they should use them for. Refer customers with persistent symptoms to the pharmacist. |
|
Acute cough |
Can last for around three weeks. Refer customers with a cough that lasts more than three weeks to the pharmacist. |
Honey or a suitable cough relief medicine may offer some relief of symptoms. Refer customers with other medical conditions to the pharmacist.
Note: A new continuous cough may indicate a Covid-19 infection (coughing a lot in one hour or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours). |
* Adapted from NICE.org.uk