biostudies-literatureDennison LNIHRNational Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research UnitARCBiomedical Research CentreNational Institute for Health Research (NIHR)e055565https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9021765biostudies-literatureUnknown12(4)<h4>Objectives</h4>Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are extremely common, usually self-limiting, but responsible for considerable work sickness absence, reduced quality of life, inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and healthcare costs. Patients who experience recurrent RTIs and those with certain comorbid conditions have higher personal impact and healthcare costs and may be more likely to suffer disease exacerbations, hospitalisation and death. We explored how these patients experience and perceive their RTIs to understand how best to engage them in prevention behaviours.<h4>Design</h4>A qualitative interview study.<h4>Setting</h4>Primary care, UK.<h4>Methods</h4>23 participants who reported recurrent RTIs and/or had relevant comorbid health conditions were interviewed about their expBMJ openPatient perceptions of vulnerability to recurrent respiratory tract infections and prevention strategies: a qualitative study.PMC9021765RP-PG-0218-20005Dennison LHandcock MBradbury KGeraghty AWAGreenwell KWilliamson SVennik JLittle PYardley LfalsePatient perceptions of vulnerability to recurrent respiratory tract infections and prevention strategies: a qualitative study.<h4>Objectives</h4>Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are extremely common, usually self-limiting, but responsible for considerable work sickness absence, reduced quality of life, inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and healthcare costs. Patients who experience recurrent RTIs and those with certain comorbid conditions have higher personal impact and healthcare costs and may be more likely to suffer disease exacerbations, hospitalisation and death. We explored how these patients experience and perceive their RTIs to understand how best to engage them in prevention behaviours.<h4>Design</h4>A qualitative interview study.<h4>Setting</h4>Primary care, UK.<h4>Methods</h4>23 participants who reported recurrent RTIs and/or had relevant comorbid health conditions were interviewed about their exp2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Apr2025-04-26T15:24:12.13Z2025-04-06T14:51:34.129ZS-EPMC90217653544395210.1136/bmjopen-2021-055565