Common respiratory infections (bronchitis, cold, cough, ear infection, flu, sinusitis, sore throat) are usually caused by viruses, and fever for a few days is common.
Antibiotics do not work for any of these conditions for most people; viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics can cause side effects and can reduce your resistance to infection. Overuse makes the germs more resistant to the antibiotics with the danger that really serious infections could become untreatable.
We have a useful card in reception with details of how to treat minor illness and when to contact your doctor. Please ask for a copy when you are next passing.
If a small baby (under 6 weeks old) is ill you should definitely contact your doctor.