Based on NICE prescribing guidance. Many common infections get better without antibiotics — see what is recommended for yours.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own within about a week, however painful they are.
Usually no antibiotic neededCommon in children. Symptoms include earache, fever and sometimes discharge. Most settle within about 3 days without antibiotics.
Usually no antibiotic neededFacial pain, a blocked nose and discoloured mucus, usually after a cold. Most people recover in 2–3 weeks without antibiotics.
Sometimes needs antibioticsA cough with chesty mucus is usually caused by a virus and can last 3–4 weeks even after the infection has gone.
Antibiotics usually neededAn infection of the lungs causing cough, fever and breathlessness. It needs medical assessment and usually antibiotics.
Sometimes needs antibioticsBurning when passing urine, needing to go more often, or cloudy urine. Very common, especially in women.
Antibiotics usually neededA spreading area of red, hot, swollen skin, often on a leg, sometimes with fever. Needs medical assessment.
Usually no antibiotic neededMost insect bites and stings cause redness, swelling and itching that settle on their own within a few days.
Sometimes needs antibioticsAnimal and human bites carry a higher risk of infection than insect bites and should be checked by a clinician.
Sometimes needs antibioticsThrobbing tooth pain, facial swelling or a bad taste can mean a dental abscess.
Sometimes needs antibioticsSpots on the face, chest or back. Very common in teenagers and often persists into adult life.
Antibiotics usually neededA common change in vaginal bacteria causing discharge with a fishy smell. It is not a sexually transmitted infection.
Antibiotics usually neededChlamydia often causes no symptoms but can affect fertility if untreated. Testing is free and confidential.
Sometimes needs antibioticsA contagious skin infection causing red sores or blisters that burst and leave golden crusts, usually around the nose and mouth. Common in children but adults can get it too.
Usually no antibiotic neededEczema can sometimes become infected with bacteria, causing weeping, crusts, pustules, rapidly worsening skin, fever or feeling generally unwell.
Usually no antibiotic neededLyme disease is spread by infected tick bites. Most tick bites do not cause it, and removing a tick promptly and correctly reduces the risk.
Sometimes needs antibioticsInflammation of the ear canal, the passage from the opening of the ear to the eardrum. It causes itching, pain when the ear is touched or pulled, and sometimes discharge. It is often called swimmer's ear because it commonly follows water getting into the ear.