Public health messages about antibiotic treatment for respiratory tract infection may increase perceived symptom severity reporting

Public health campaigns to reduce expectations for antibiotic treatment for respiratory tract infections have shown little or no effect on antibiotic prescribing and consumption. We examined whether such messages can increase respiratory tract infection symptom reporting. Participants ( N = 318) received one of four campaign messages, a combination of all four messages, or no message. Respiratory tract infection symptoms increased for those who received information that emphasized the ineffectiveness of antibiotic treatment for respiratory tract infections. As symptom severity is associated with greater contact with primary healthcare and receiving antibiotic prescriptions, campaigns to encourage antimicrobial stewardship should consider the side effects of antibiotic ineffectiveness messages.