Upper Respiratory Infection Treatment Guidelines

Introduction to Recommendations

The European Respiratory Society recommends against the use of homeopathic substances, including elderberry, for the prevention or treatment of lower or upper respiratory tract infections, with a C4 level recommendation 1, 2, 3
The European Respiratory Society guidelines state that the use of homeopathic substances is not recommended as a preventive approach against lower respiratory tract infections 4, 5

The American College of Physicians recommends symptomatic treatment with analgesics for pain and antipyretics for fever for most uncomplicated upper respiratory infections 6, 7
For acute rhinosinusitis, antibiotics should be reserved for patients with persistent symptoms for more than 10 days 6
For acute rhinosinusitis, antibiotics should be reserved for patients with severe symptoms including high fever with purulent nasal discharge or facial pain for at least 3 consecutive days 6
For acute rhinosinusitis, antibiotics should be reserved for patients with worsening symptoms following initial improvement of a typical viral illness (double sickening) 6
The European Respiratory Society recommends against the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections as they will not prevent progression to lower respiratory tract infections, with an A1 level recommendation 1, 2