Possible ear infection when to see gp?

[ItsTheTreasure]

Have had some kind of cold virus for a week now. Ears have been "blurry" and blocked on and off for a few days but today extremely strong stabbing pain and ear ache, blocked hearing. NHS website says see a GP after 3 days. Does the previous blurriness count as 3 days? Honestly spent the afternoon very teary with warm compress on my ear, ibuprofen and paracetamol not helping. Would you (try) to see the GP asap or wait another 2 days?

I know it seems like a stupid question but I don't have great experience with my GP and feel like my judgement is off

I'd try the GP now. Especially if it's that painful that painkillers aren't working.

I'd call now. You prob won't get a same day appointment unless you have an additional factor such as reduced hearing. I had this exact scenario a couple of weeks ago, called 111 in the night and got flagged up with doctor for a next day appointment as I had reduced hearing.

In the meantime, you can get over the counter acetic acid drops that might help - it's basically vinegar but helps to limit the infection a bit. And keep it dry - cotton wool in your ears in the shower. The doctor prescribed me antibiotic drops that had the same acetic acid in them.

Good luck, it's miserable!

No appointments left, just have to fill out a form online for a call back at some point. It hurts so much.

Thanks for your responses

TBH, I go straight away to the doctor's/walk in centre if I get an ear infection as for me it doesn't go away on it's own.

I sometimes get blocked ears that do go away by itself but this is something else 😩 every now and again something crackles in my ear and the pain gets worse for a few mins

I had an ear infection recently. It started in the middle of the night and I called the doctor on a Saturday morning. My GP surgery was closed but I got an emergency appointment. It was absolute agony. I'd been awake all night in tears. There's no way I could have waited 3 days and I could tell it was a nasty infection. The doctor said I did the right thing to come in quickly and that he could see how nasty it was. If I was you I'd go in ASAP.

Go ASAP, and meanwhile go to a pharmacy and get whatever they suggest. My DH is prone to ear infections if he swims, the GP said that they can become serious if left untreated.

I've done the e consult online but not holding out much hope for a response today. Considering calling 111 when DH is home to have the kids.

(you have to have an appointment from 111 for the local walk in round here)