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More than a third of parents mistakenly believe antibiotics are always needed when a child has an ear infection, according to a study by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Of the 503 parents who took part in the research, 36.4. per cent said they thought children always require antibiotics. The UKHSA cited research showing one in five children are likely to need the drugs to treat an ear infection, which normally gets better on its own within three days, although symptoms can last up to a week.

The study, carried out as part of the UKHSA’s work to help reduce avoidable antibiotic use, also found 74 per cent of parents consult a healthcare professional within one to two days of their child’s symptoms starting.

Less than half of parents, 49 per cent, thought most childhood ear infections can get better without antibiotics and 27 per cent were unsure.

The UKHSA said its study revealed “gaps between what parents expected from consultations and what they received”. Forty-three per cent expected advice on whether their child needed antibiotics compared with 28 per cent who received guidance.

Of the parents who consulted a healthcare professional, 56 per cent said their child was prescribed antibiotics.

The study also highlighted the “significant impact ear infections have on family life”, with 42 per cent of parents taking time off work and 62 per cent saying their child missed school or nursery.

Catherine Hayes, who led the study, said: “Ear infections are very common and can cause real distress to both children and families, but antibiotics are often not necessary.

“Our survey highlights that more can be done to support parents to understand when an ear infection is serious and what they can do. UKHSA’s work will aim to address this by developing resources to support health professionals and patients during consultations.”

She added: “While antibiotics are sometimes necessary for children with ear infections, unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects in children and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.”

Antibiotic-resistant infections equate to almost 400 new cases a week, research by the UKHSA revealed in November last year.