Is this normal for a cold or should I see GP?

[pinotnow]

I had a cold about 3 weeks ago that was mainly in my chest. Took 2 days off then felt fine but cough did linger - not constantly though. This week it came back properly and I've felt awful for the last 4 days. Throat has been so painful - less so now but still have cough, runny nose and eyes and feel utterly wiped out. Mainly sleeping and no real appetite. I have no temp and covid test is negative.

I'm a teacher so was off last week anyway but I can't see me going in tomorrow which feels ridiculous but I can't really talk never mind anything else. It just won't shift and I've never had anything lasting more than 3 days in my life before. Is it normal without even a temp? Would I be totally wasting GP time to go tomorrow - would have to say it's an emergency to even get an appointment.

Just don't know what to do.

Lots of us have had it. Lots of us have had it for weeks. I had it from December 5th right up to mid January. It was dreadful and there’s been a few threads on here about the viral longevity.

If you are ok with Paracetamol/Ibuprofen for pain & inflammation, Difflam or TCP to gargle, ice cubes to suck & cool your throat, lots of rest and lemon & honey drinks shy bother your doctor?

Probably best to take time off rather than spread to colleagues and pupils but also if you go back too soon it might come back with vengeance. This I know so don’t go back until you are strong again.
Get well soon.

I’ve got this currently and I sympathise. Exactly the same - properly ill for 3 or so days about 2.5 weeks ago, got better but still coughing, then full blown relapse this week with horrible throat, muscle aches and awful nasal congestion. Interestingly, I did test positive for covid (we are still tested at work if symptomatic) with the initial illness roughly 2.5 weeks ago. I’m now lateral flow negative. This is exactly how covid affected me approximately 1.5 years ago as well, when I last knowingly had it.

Same here, also wondering whether or not to see a doctor. Felt awful for 2 weeks, then it got better but now - after 4 days of almost no symptoms - the sore throat is back and painful as before, and I’m feeling super exhausted. Now I’m three days in with my second bout and not sure what to do.

Sympathy to anyone else suffering, it's horrid. Last thing I want is to bother the doctor needlessly but also feel daft just staying in bed off work if it could require abs, even if it probably doesn't.