Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI) is one of the biggest health system burdens, and a major driver of worldwide antibiotic resistance. The significance of RTI on the health system, causes, symptoms, and treatment options are examined to highlight the importance of proper treatment to avoid spread of disease in the community, avoid complications in hospitalised patients and stem antibiotic resistance. There remains controversy around interpretation of test results and symptoms, therefore it was found that without adequate analysis of symptoms and response to test results, incorrect and unnecessary antibiotic prescription occurred for viral infections. Safe hygiene practices were found to be the best preventative measure for RTI occurrence, and
