Acute respiratory infection in over 16s : NICE guidance summary

An ARI is an acute illness (present for 21 days or less) that affects the respiratory tract, with symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, sputum production, breathlessness, wheeze, or chest discomfort or pain, and without an alternative explanation.

Section	Summary of Guidance	Rationale
1.1.1	Consider sepsis in suspected ARIs and assess accordingly.	Early consideration of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition, ensures timely treatment and improves outcomes.
1.1.2	Offer self-care advice for home-managed symptoms, information on illness duration, and guidance on when to seek further medical help.	Empowering patients with information helps them manage expectations and recognize when their condition may be worsening, which is crucial for avoiding complications.
1.2	Handle initial remote assessments holistically, ensuring accessibility and understanding of digital platforms or offering alternatives.	A person-centered approach considers individual needs and circumstances, improving the quality of remote assessments.
1.2.2	Evaluate if symptoms can be managed at home or require further investigation, especially for signs of lower respiratory tract infection.	Distinguishing between home-manageable symptoms and those needing further investigation helps allocate resources appropriately and ensures patient safety.
1.2.3	Refer for a face-to-face assessment if remote assessment is inadequate, serious illness is suspected, or comorbidities may exacerbate the ARI.	Some conditions...

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