Flu - when to see a GP?

[BalancingStick]

I've got proper flu - can't get out of bed, everything aches (even my teeth ), blocked nose, painful ears, the worst chesty cough I've ever had... Its been 5 days and I feel beyond awful. When do I make a GP appt? My DH could take me (if I can even get an appt). I'm maxing out on Lemsip Cold & Flu which does help a bit but I'm wondering how long the suffering has to go on for before I can see a doctor? Should also add that I'm not normally one to want medication - never take paracetamol, had two children sans pain relief... but this has floored me. Any advice?

Yes lots of yellow/ green snot

thick coloured snotty nose, I had this and as pp said I had infected sinus too, please call 111 for some medical advice, you don't need to feel shit.

You don't see a GP, they'll only tell you to take antipyrexics, drink plenty of water and keep warm. However, if you need a doctor's certificate for work, give your doctor a ring and ask about that.

If, after a fortnight, your chest is really bad, you may have a chest infection resulting from the 'flu and that's the time to go to your doctor, but the chances are you'll recover without that.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/

NHS say seek advice if symptoms haven't improved for over a week. Flu will indeed make you feel like crap.

I’d go to the doctor, tbh it sounds like it’s turned to a sinus infection

I had it for nine days the cough was making me vomit and I was whooping. The other symptoms had subsided somewhat. I had developed a chest infection and had to take those horse pills.

Sorry OP, missed the Lemsip bit. You did also say “Should also add that I'm not normally one to want medication - never take paracetamol,”

If it’s sinusitis, you’ll have an intense massive headache when you bend down...? Have had that a few times and it’s not nice.

Also, it’s about time somebody on the thread pointed out that you can’t have real flu if you’re on MN?

Nowadays they're not even automatically prescribing antibiotics for sinus infections so I wouldn't go just for that, either.

Flu does make you feel horrendous. I wouldn't limit yourself to just paracetamol. I'd be alternating with ibuprofen (to the max dose of each each day). If feeling really bad I would replace a couple of the doses of paracetamol with co-codamol.

I might ring the GP tomorrow for advice, it's very likely that there's nothing they can do but you know how you feel and if you're concerned I would seek advice.

I hope you feel better soon.

Check that the lemsip is giving you the full dose of paracetamol, sometimes they’re 800mg not the full 1g.

After about 10 days and it's not at least starting to feel better, especially with a really chesty cough.

I had proper flu, braved it out for a couple of weeks but then finally went to the GP, I'd developed a chest infection as a result and it needed two rounds of antibiotics to clear it.

I thought I had flu when I had pneumonia. I said docs was pointless. DH made appointment and took me. Doc thought I had sepsis and sent me straight to a+e where I got stuck on oxygen immediately... just watch your symptoms

Lemsip is a waste of time, I don't think it has the full dose of paracetamol in it. When you're due your next dose take normal paracetamol and a separate decongestant which is also a better dose. Have a normal hot drink or make your own honey and lemon drink, much better than Lemsip

I had flu earlier this year and literally crawled to the doc as both my eardrums burst so needed antibiotics. I could more happily died in my bed that week

Why would you not see your doctor for a sinus infection, chest infection or severe flu?

I would ask for a telephone consultation with the gp. They can advise over the phone and hopefully issue sick note?

Yes, telephone appointment to get a sick note for later this week when you've been off a week. Other than that, ride it out unless you start to feel better and then after a day or so much worse. Pneumonia seems to strike just after the initial thing gets better IME.

Sounds just like the sinusy lurgy which has been doing the rounds here. I must say I have felt really grim with it (mind you it is not the only thing wrong with me).

Things that might help:

Sudafed Night & Day capsules (or Day/Night Nurse capsules) instead of Lemsip. Don’t double up on these as they all contain paracetamol.

Sterimar saline spray (nasal rinse - performs the function of a neti pot)

Hot steamy baths

Time! It will pass.

I went after 10 days. Diagnosed with a nasty chest infection.

I would book one to be on the safe side.

I’m doing just that for my DS11 today. Who has been coughing night and day for 4 days with no improvement.

Always best to be checked out.

Definitely take ibuprofen as well as paracetamol.

I had it all last week and this really helped with the aching which I found the worst part.

Difficulty breathing and confusion are things to be wary of. MOST flu cases would not be able to be helped by a dr, but there is a chance of getting bacterial infection on top of flu. A small number of cases need hospital due to oxygen/iv antibiotics/iv fluids. You would expect a deterioration in symptoms rather than carrying on at same level. Seeing gp after 1 week for a sick note may be reasonable (I think u can self certify for 1 week). U can ask for telephone appt with gp if not sure?

I was in bed for a week, still felt dreadful for another and didn’t leave house. Third week a big improvement, fourth week back to regular routine but tire very easily.

Hope you feel better soon.

How are you feelong today OP

don't go unless you need a sick note.
wrap up warm in bed, sleep as much as you need.
istead of lemsip (risk of paracetamol overdose) you could take a decongestant nose spray and only take ibuprofen/paracetamol tablets if are really in pain.
drink as much as you can and rest.
hope you feel better soon.

I would see the GP in case there’s a chest and/or sinus infection.