Relevance. Influenza and acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the most common respiratory diseases, occupying a significant share in the structure of temporary disability in Russia. Despite scientific advances and the activities of healthcare authorities, influenza and SARS remain poorly controlled diseases. This is due to the peculiarities of viruses (variability of antigenic properties, resistance to antiviral drugs), mixed nature of infections, high contagiousness, as well as lack of specific therapy. The aim — is to present the materials of the Expert Council «Improvement of respiratory tract infections treatment outcomes», which took place on May 30, 2019 in Moscow (Russia). Basic statements. The Expert Council on Treatment of Respiratory Tract Infections has developed a Consensus Statement on improving the treatment of respiratory tract infections. The main goals of ARI and flu therapy are to improve the quality of patients’ life and to prevent complications, a combination of etiotropic antiviral and symptomatic therapy allows to achieve them. It is recommended to start flu treatment with drugs with direct antiviral action during the first 48 hours after clinical manifestation of the disease. In order to improve the quality of life of patients with ARI, symptomatic therapy is a priority. The use of combination medicines is more convenient than mono-component medicines and is quite safe for patients. It is necessary to follow the instructions for medical use of the prescribed medications strictly. It is important to remember that immunomodulatory agents are ineffective after the disease has been manifested. Conclusions. In practice, it is important for general practitioners to know how to treat respiratory tract infectious diseases. The objectives of the therapy include reduction of viral load, achievement of bronchial and mucolytic effects, reduction of intoxication and improvement of the patient’s quality of life (symptom control), prevention of complications. Antiviral drugs are indicated for patients with moderate to severe flu and for patients with risk factors. Antibiotic therapy in acute respiratory viral infections is inappropriate. Efficacy of homeopathic, herbal remedies in acute respiratory infections is not confirmed according to the criteria of evidence-based medicine, and therefore these remedies are not included in international and Russian clinical recommendations. Domestic and international clinical guidelines prescribe prescription of symptomatic drugs for acute respiratory infections and influenza, but their preventive use is unacceptable. Symptomatic treatment is a priority in therapy and helps to ease the general condition, speed up recovery and improve the quality of life of patients, gives practitioner time to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe etiotropic therapy. A combination of analgesic/fever-reducing paracetamol, antihistamine phenyramine and decongensant phenylephrine affect all major clinical symptoms of ARI. The purpose of this combination is optimal in terms of efficiency and safety. It is necessary to develop a protocol regulating the prescription of symptomatic agents (dosage, terms of treatment, indications, interaction).