Perceptions and behaviors of patients with upper respiratory tract infection.

A questionnaire was administered to outpatients with uncomplicated viral upper respiratory tract infection in order to study the perceptions and behaviors of these individuals. Most patients sought advice or prescriptions to treat symptoms, felt that their symptoms had lasted longer than expected, or were worried that their symptoms could represent serious illness. There was considerable misunderstanding of the natural history of untreated upper respiratory tract infection and of the role of penicillin. The reasons for these findings and their implications for providers of primary care are discussed.