GP for antibiotics or leave it?

[kaytee87]

Feeling so ill, bad cough, sore throat and chest, headache. Coughing up green mucus (sorry!) and the taste every time I cough is horrible. Also very tired but no time to rest due to toddler and both me and DH being very busy this weekend.
So antibiotics or just leave it to get better itself? been ill for about 3 days now.

[Shoxfordian]

Sounds like a cold so probably a virus, Dr won't give you antibiotics. If you can cancel stuff this weekend and stay in bed then that's the best way to get rid of it.
Get well soon

[lennyisnuts]

Agree with PP. you are unlikely to get antibiotics. Rest up, plenty of fluids, nutritious food and paracetamol!

[yellowboard]

I disagree with pp, a productive cough with green phlegm would be worth getting checked out with GP, especially as you say it's on your chest as well

[NameChange30]

With your symptoms and no fever it’s likely to be viral not bacterial. Doctor will tell you to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

[kaytee87]

I've never had a cold where I've had a sore chest and coughed up green mucus.
I woke soaked in sweat a couple of nights and felt feverish but my husband said i didn't feel hot. We've just got back from a weeks glamping yesterday after 7.5hr drive so I've just not taken my temperature will do later if I feel feverish again.
I'd really rather not have to go to the doctors as I'd have to bring my toddler along and it's a hassle. It doesn't feel like a cold but maybe a viral chest infection if they exist rather than bacterial?

[PurpleWithRed]

See a pharmacist first; save you and the NHS a load of time and money.

[kaytee87]

I'm going to try some decongestants to see if they help loosen my chest.

[Sarahani]

sounds viral I get it hose symptoms every time. I recently had an awful chest infection that wiped me out but cleared on its own. Hope you feel better soon.

[maskingtape]

It's only 3 days. Give it another couple of days and then decide. Get out in the fresh air and drink plenty of water.

[georgedawes]

I posted a virtually identical thread to this, and was told pretty much the same thing so put off going to the doc (to be fair I'd had it longer than you). I did end up quite poorly with a chest infection, had to have antibiotics and am still coughing weeks later. Hope you feel better soon.

[PerverseConverse]

Sounds like a chest infection. Untreated chest infections can lead to scarring on the lungs so always best to get it checked out especially in light of waking up covered in sweat. I give this advice as a health care professional. Hope you feel better soon.

[TeddyIsaHe]

My general rule is if it goes on longer than 7 days OR I cannot do normal things like hoover/shower easily then I’ll see a doctor. If I just feel a bit shit I see a pharmacist, they’re really good at decent medication recommendations or telling me I need a dr appointment.

[greathat]

The waking in the night covered in sweat has been a sign of a bad chest infection for me. As it's the weekend I'd see a pharmacist at least, they'll tell you if they think you need to be seen

[Whatsthispain]

Colour of phlegm is irrelevant unless it's bloody. Apparently! Hope you feel better soon.

[kaytee87]

Managing to rest just now for 3 hours until DH comes back with toddler. Going to lie on the couch and watch sopranos, hopefully feel bit better after a lie down - been on the go since 7am.

[MistyMinge]

I had something similar a couple of weeks ago and so did my ds, took a good while to feel right. Mind you we weren't chesty. Beechams max strength cold and flu tablets really helped, I would really recommend you sending your DH out to get some.

[TheDishRanAwayWithTheSpoon]

I swear I get this all the time, for me it's just a sign of a bad cold, it always gets better. It's been 3 days, get to bed with plenty of fluids and rest and then if it's not better in 2 days (so 5 days after onset) reconsider gp. That's what I would do

[TheDishRanAwayWithTheSpoon]

You could visit a pharmacist though to see if they recommend any decongestants. Unless you have other medical conditions or are coughing up blood your body should be able to deal with it.