Update information

Minor changes since publication

May 2026: We have amended the information on nasal decongestants in the summary of the evidence to say they should not be used for more than 5 days. This is in line with the MHRA's drug safety update on nasal decongestant sprays and drops containing xylometazoline hydrochloride or oxymetazoline hydrochloride.

November 2025: We updated links to NICE's guidelines on sepsis in recommendation 1.1.9.

January 2022: We made minor wording changes to reflect updated advice on the use of macrolides in pregnancy.

May 2021: In recommendation 1.1.8 we clarified that people who are at high risk of serious illness should be offered an immediate antibiotic.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-2652-7