Update information

March 2022: We added a new recommendation on eardrops containing an anaesthetic and an analgesic (recommendation 1.1.5) because a licensed preparation is now available in the UK. We moved recommendations on non‑antimicrobial treatments earlier in the guideline. These recommendations are marked [2022]. We also made minor wording changes to reflect updated advice on the use of macrolides in pregnancy.

Minor changes since publication

November 2025: We updated the link in 1.1.14 to the NICE guidelines on suspected sepsis in under 16s and suspected sepsis in people aged 16 or over, which have replaced the previous NICE guideline on suspected sepsis.

May 2021: In recommendation 1.1.10, we clarified that children and young people who are at high risk of serious illness should be offered an immediate antibiotic.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-2901-6