Research shows that as few as 1 in 5 children are likely to require antibiotics to treat an ear infection.   

Catherine Hayes, UKHSA study lead, said: ‘Ear infections are very common and can cause real distress to both children and families, but antibiotics are often not necessary. Our survey highlights that more can be done to support parents to understand when an ear infection is serious and what they can do. UKHSA's work will aim to address this by developing resources to support health professionals and patients during consultations.'

The UKHSA-led study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, found most parents (74%) who consult a healthcare professional do so within 1 to 2 days of their child's symptoms appearing.

Only around half (49%) of parents thought most childhood ear infections can get better without antibiotics. A quarter (27%) were unsure.

The study also revealed gaps between what parents expected from consultations and what they received. Significantly more parents expected advice on whether their child needed antibiotics (43%) than actually received it (28%). Of those who consulted a healthcare professional, just over half (56%) reported their child was prescribed antibiotics.