Treat your Respiratory Tract Infection

❌ Antibiotics do not work for colds, flu, or most coughs

Most coughs, colds, sore throats, sinus and ear infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are not needed in the majority of cases — your body can usually fight these infections on its own. Your doctor will assess whether antibiotics are appropriate.

How long do infections usually last?

• 👂 Middle-ear infection: 3–7 days

• 🤒 Sore throat: 7 days

• 🤧 Common cold: up to 14 days

• 😷 Sinusitis: 14–21 days

• 🫁 Cough/bronchitis: up to 21 days

How to look after yourself and your family

• Get plenty of rest to help recovery

• Drink enough fluids so you don’t feel thirsty

• Ask your pharmacist about medicines to ease symptoms or pain

• A high temperature is a normal response and usually settles on its own — use paracetamol if you or your child feel uncomfortable

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands)

• Practice good hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub

ℹ️ More information
Visit the HSE website for advice on common illnesses:
👉 hse.ie – Common Illnesses