Chest infection? Call 111?

[hazelnutvanillalatte]

I have had this horrible chesty cough for a month which has been going around the school and we've all had it. Since yesterday I suddenly developed a very high fever (didn't take temp but burning up), cold feet, shivering. I was exhausted, no appetite, this horrible wracking mucus cough, dizziness, extreme muscle pain and severe mid/lower back pain.

I can't get up or go out and I don't know what it could be...just a virus that will pass or something else...sounds ridiculous but I don't have the energy to call 111 and wait on hold for hours. Maybe I should wait until tomorrow and ask pharmacist? Just not sure what to do and so tired, can't think

Sounds like pneumonia (bacterial superinfection after a virus) so best get checked out by doctor asap

hope you feel better soon!

I think the fact you are feeling so unwell to not be able to face being on hold to 111, is a really good indicator that you need to see a doctor. I don't think that tomorrow you're going to be well enough to get to a pharmacy and even if you do, the pharmacist will likely say you need to see a doctor. So I'd ring 111 whilst in bed / on the sofa.

Ring 111 you might need iv antibiotics in hospital

Thanks all x
I did call 111 and was referred to pharmacist, and they haven't prescribed anything just rest, so thankfully don't need to go anywhere atm

I hope you are feeling a bit better now , I was a bit surprised they just referred you to a pharmacist .

I would be worried that you’ve been unwell for a month and have now developed a fever and feel very unwell.

I think a doctor needs to see you in case antibiotics are needed. Hope you feel better soon.

It may well be that you've caught another bug whilst at the tail end of your cough. In winter/early spring it can be hard to tell where one bug ends and another begins at times.

If you are no better today I would call Gp.

I had a horrible cough recently, a few days, not a month, but I felt so unwell that I somehow autopiloted myself to making a doc appointment (I was lucky enough to get one online, so only had to drag myself there rather than do the whole "on hold" thing). Doc was nice to me - listened to my chest and surprised us both by giving me antibiotics.
I got better very quickly after that.
I'd try doctor just in case.

I would do an eConsultantion if your GP surgery has this option. It’s always looked at very quickly at my surgery and a nurse or doctor will often call back.

Failing that call for an appointment at opening time tomorrow.

Thanks for the responses. I got a GP appointment today as I was still really unwell, tired and confused. Turns out I had a kidney infection and chest infection. I'm now on two separate antibiotics and feeling weak but human again

Oh bless you OP - you must have been feeling absolutely rotten. I’m so pleased you managed to see a doctor and have some antibiotics. Hopefully they’ll kick in quickly but rest up!

hope you feel better soon!

Glad you got to see the gp OP and are beginning to feel better. No wonder you felt miserable.

Glad you saw the Gp , hopefully you will be on the mend soon x

I've been ill from new years eve until a week ago. If it's a virus there's not a lot yo do. A fever is actually a good sign as it means your body is fighting the infection.

A couple of years ago I had a chest infection which was so serious I had difficulty breathing.

During my recent illness I took lem sip and that made it more bearable .