Fewer GP Visits for Young Children’s Respiratory Infections Since COVID — But Bacterial Cases Are Rising

New research from our Child Population Health Theme researchers, published in the British Journal of General Practice, reveals how patterns of childhood respiratory infections have shifted in England following the COVID-19 pandemic, with important implications for GPs, families, and health service planners.

The study analysed data on more than 2.8 million children under five between 2016 and 2023. Our researchers found that GP consultations for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) remain 15–17% lower than pre-pandemic levels, pointing to possible lasting changes in infection rates or health-seeking behaviour.

However, the research also highlights a worrying trend. Bacterial ear and throat infections, including tonsillitis and group A streptococcus, have risen sharply, peaking nearly 60% above pre-pandemic levels in late 2022.

Professor Sonia Saxena, senior author and Child Population Health theme Lead, commented:

"The winter peaks and sharp rises in GP consultations for bacterial ear and throat infections we observed in late 2022 suggest GPs could consider the likelihood of bacterial infections when triaging, assessing and managing children presenting with respiratory tract infections."

These findings suggest that parents may be managing more minor viral infections at home, but when children do visit their GP, bacterial infections may be more likely than before. This has important implications for how GPs assess and treat young patients, especially during the busy winter season.

It also raises wider questions about how families decide when to seek GP care, the need to keep childhood vaccination rates high, planning for winter pressures in general practice, and ensuring health advice and digital tools are helping parents make informed choices.

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