Ambulance just left and they think I have it

[MayDayHelp]

Woke up with a cough this morning and my chest was really tight, and felt like someone was sitting on it. Been the same all day, coughing every 10 mins or so and feeling quite out of breath.

I called 111 tonight after doing the online thing which told me to call an ambulance. That seemed a bit overkill as I’m really not that bad, up and about and doing what I normally do, just a bit coughy and out of breath. They insisted they should send an ambulance.

Lovely ambulance man came and was here about an hour doing obs. My temperature is slightly up and my blood pressure was very high. He heard me cough a few times and said in his opinion it sounds like I have it, he’s seen enough cases to know what it looks/sounds like.

So I guess that’s as close to a diagnosis as I’ll get 🤷‍♀️. Unless I take a drastic turn for the worse. Feeling strangely calm about it all. Although he said I need to self isolate for 14 days which is going to be difficult on my own with 2 kids.

[MayDayHelp]

Just remembered an ‘ambulance man’ is called a paramedic. Ffs.

[HoofWankingSpangleCunt]

Sorry to hear that.i hope you make a swift recovery.
Is there anyone at all who can have your kids? How old are they?

[ChipsyChopsy]

I think 'ambulance man' is acceptable in the circumstances! Hope it passes soon and without consequence. Good luck.

[joystir59]

Take care OP. Hope you feel better soon.

[Freshstart40]

Hi OP... how are you now? I'm awake and feeling terrible
Fever of 38.6... no cough but looks like tonsillitis. Also had uti symptoms for weeks but my urine was sent to the lab and showed no infection. I'm feeling a bit scared so am keeping you company. Hope you feel better really soon.

[MayDayHelp]

Thanks everyone, just taken some night nurse so hopefully will be knocked out soon.

@freshstart40 sorry to hear you’re not well too. How long have you had your fever for? My temperature was only 37.5 so just slightly above the normal range, the paramedic said I may well develop more of a fever over the next few days.

Really have no idea who can have my kids if I get really ill. They’re both autistic and so can’t see people queuing around the block to have them, especially as there’s a good chance they’re infected too. They’re 15 and 9.

[Freshstart40]

It's been going up over 2 days... started at 37.2 then slowly crept up and up. I've just taken ibuprofin as paracetamol did nothing.

[PumpkinP]

I don’t think you can send them anywhere anyway as they could potentially infect someone else like you said. hope you are better soon, so hard when you’re on your own

[Thesispieces]

Remember ibuprofen is not recommended for COVID19.

[Standrewsschool]

Join us on the lungs thread for support and encouragement.

[TheBeastInMsRooneysRoom]

OP, I've 'probably' had it and recovered. It was not fun, but it will most likely be uncomplicated and your kids will be fine. That is statistically the most likely option by a long way. My kids all got coughs, but nothing horrifying. Just uncomfortable and grotty feeling.

Try and sleep on your front, use throat sprays with echinacea if you happen to have them (helpful with swelling), and lots and lots of fluids.

Rest up, and ride it out. Ask people to deliver food/supplies if you need them - people want to help. It makes us feel proactive. It's not a burden.

[Mohster]

The body raises the temp of the body (fever) to increase the autoimmune response and also because viruses replicate at a lower rate in higher temp. this virus switches off the body's response in the early days allowing it to replicate massively. Therefore by the time the body recognises it, it has a very good hold and by then the body's immune system has to then provide a massive response which is what is actually causing the problems as the response causes a cytokine storm of the immune system and this is what then causes the serious problems.

Studies have shown that monocytes which are part of the autoimmune response that is needed are reduced by the virus. Other studies showed that artificially raising the body temp by taking hot baths increased the monocytes and increased the body's ability to fight infections. This is why the hot saunas in cold countries work so well to prevent disease in those that lie there. This works for those that are not ill or those who are ill. The fever should not be allowed to increase past a safe limit so be aware of the temp that this is if in doubt research it- I could tell you it but it is better for you to understand the basics by researching it and if in doubt ask 111.

DO NOT TAKE IBUPROFEN OR ASPIRIN OR NSAIDS as these have been linked to complications. Paracetamol should be used to limit pains but take on board about temp being better than using antivirals. Cool flannel on the neck to reduce the temp if required. The secret is to not reduce the fever unless it is required and to try to keep it at a high but safe level. Also, it is suggested that you should stay in bed for a few days after the fever has gone keeping as warm as you can to prevent its reoccurance.

[Knowhowufeel2]

I'm on day 6. I find it's manageable if I don't move or speak, as that really sets off the cough. I still have times where I feel awful, but moving or talking almost immediately make it much worse.
Was kinda hallucinating a bit earlier today. Temp was 38.5 during the day but is only 37.7 now.

may, take care of yourself, and hope you beat it quickly.

[Mohster]

NOTE - should state anti feverals not antivirals - anti feverals are paracetamol or ibuprofen, asprin is taken to bring down temp. With covid only paracetamol should be used and limited to pain control.

[Helpmechangemymindsetplease]

@Freshstart40 tagging you in case you haven’t read the advice about only taking paracetamol. I hope both you and @MayDayHelp feel better soon.

Which part of the country are you in @MayDayHelp?

[ElaineMarieBenes]

@Mohster - thank you for your update as I was a bit confused as my current MoH (not U.K.) had advised paracetamol only can be used for pain control only.

Also your point about staying in bed - I was always told make sure the sheets have also been changed too. Not sure it would harm - but as you sound knowledgeable - is that likely to be a myth?

[Coyoacan]

That was very informative @Mohster. Thank you so much

I also read that sleeping on one's front eases breathing.

[Nquartz]

If you need help getting food have a look on Facebook, I think the local groups are all called 'town name' mutual aid group.

Ours is full of volunteers getting things to people who can't leave their house & distributing food.

[Wombatstew]

Really hope you start to feel better soon Op. Is the Older DC able to do some light meals for you and the younger one?

Out of interest when did you start to isolate yourself? I have been at home for the last 2 weeks except a couple of quick shopping trips. I guess I am wondering what my chances of catching it from going shopping really are?

[hibeat]

All the best OP. Hope that you were able to sleep.

[lborgia]

Please DO not take echinacea if you have asthma, or have not taken it before. Now is not the time to find it actually exacerbates your symptoms...

[hopefulhalf]

OP almost certainly got it from her DCs who were at school 2 weeks ago.

[Deathraystare]

Just remembered an ‘ambulance man’ is called a paramedic. Ffs.




I am like that most days. Why think of one or two words when seven will do!!! It makes it very hard when trying to order something. I came on to here a while back to ask about what I now realise (thanks to a poster who put me straight) were boot trees!).

Many is the time on Amazon or Argos that I just cannot think of what the thing is I want to order because I cannot think of the right word. I don't have apps but if there was an app that could see inside my head....actually perhaps that is not a good idea!!!

[Deathraystare]

Oops. forgot to say, get well soon!!

[Deathraystare]

By the title I thought you were going to say you have vigilante neighbours and were going to be run out of town!!