If your GP says 'come back if you're no better' what sort of time scale are they talking?

[Cockadoodledooo]

Presuming you forgot to ask

Saw GP on Monday morning. Gave me a spray for my ear, tablets for dizziness and self care advice re fever. Dizziness much improved but cannot shake the fever (38.4 upwards for at least a week now).

Should I go back tomorrow? Currently not able to work and concerned I'm letting my team down.

I would go back tomorrow.

Call 111 they'll advise you.

It's only been two days! If you've got a virus it's going to take time to pass, there's nothing the doctor can do to hurry it along.

Unless you get worse, I wouldn't be going back until Monday. Imagine how swamped they'd be if we all went back after 48 hours.

Virus? Friday, or Thursday if you are anxious.

Last time I was asked to “come back if it gets worse” by the nurse, the GP had to call me in herself because there was blood in my urine and I had a severe chest infection that turned out to be pneumonia. I don’t think I would’ve gone back at all, as the nurse made me feel like I was a snowflake.

My fever and shivers didn’t budge until I was given antibiotics by the doctor and I’d been left to suffer for a week by then.

I wouldn’t care about swamping. If you have fevers that aren’t budging, then the infection needs to be treated. Go back.

Thanks for the responses, I think I'll ring the surgery in the morning and ask their advice. Reassuring to hear responses that this wouldn't be OTT.
Am supposed to be working this weekend so need to let the office know asap if they need to arrange cover.
Bombardier tomorrow will be 72 hours minimum since I saw him actually, and as I said in the op I've actually had symptoms much longer. Still, I'll let them decide.

Not usually overly anxious but had viral meningitis a few years back and am apprehensive about a recurrence.

I worked many years as a senior nurse and it never ceases to amaze me that GP's give people vague advice at times and also expect them to remember the spoken word when not feeling well. They should have written the time frame re when to go back on that leaflet they gave you.

It doesn't sound at all snow flakey to go back or at least seek advice since seeing them on Monday. Infact it sounds pretty sensible. You could also try the pharmacist for advice too.

Hope you feel better soon.