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Original poster

I have developed a mild cough

40 replies

StickyPlant · 14/03/2020 14:50

I have NC. I have developed a mild cough. I have not been out of my county, let alone my country, and there are no confirmed cases in the county.

Right now, I am assuming that all I have is a mild cough as no other symptoms, but I'm a tiny bit worried. I know how fate works and so I'm posting about it here so I can feel very silly and delighted when it turns out to be nothing.

I am scared of telling work because I don't want to be labelled a pisstaker grabbing 7 days off for a cough, but I don't want to go against guidance and risk other people's health if it turns out to be real and I'm really, really upset about this bit.

OP posts:
Rhubarbpeony · 14/03/2020 14:59

If it’s a persistent dry cough then you wouldn’t be silly to self-isolate for 7 days - that’s totally in keeping with the government guidance. Keep an eye on your temperature as well.

Fingers crossed it’s nothing but take sensible precautions just in case!

AnnaMagnani · 14/03/2020 15:04

It's a new cough. It doesn't matter if it's mild, severe or enough to knock people over in the street.

You don't normally have a cough , it is repeated so you should be self isolating for 7 days.

Sunshinelollipops1 · 14/03/2020 15:05

Don’t be upset. Follow the advice. Self isolate for 7 days.

Deux · 14/03/2020 15:06

You would be following guidelines. Do you have a thermometer to monitor your temperature?

AnnaMagnani · 14/03/2020 15:07

Also they are only testing cases that are hospitalised now. Doesn't mean there are no cases in your county.

Original poster
StickyPlant · 14/03/2020 15:08

Not persistent. No phlegm, but the top of my chest, think between the collarbones, feels 'scratchy' at all times.

It came on suddenly at 10ish. Yesterday I had a very mild sore throat, more like a sensitive throat.

I can see if it gets worse tomorrow, but the fact that it could impact so many others if I make the wrong decision is terrifying.

The fact that I'd be the only one in a workplace of 1500 would be so stupid if it's nothing. I'd be labelled a chancer for life.

OP posts:
Original poster
StickyPlant · 14/03/2020 15:10

I just feel like I need to make that pathetic little 'uhuh' cough every minute or so, but the feeling in my chest doesn't go.

OP posts:
Actionhasmagic · 14/03/2020 15:11

I had this yesterday. Pretty much gone today

Original poster
StickyPlant · 14/03/2020 15:11

Deux I don't - meant to buy one when in town today, just in case and to be overprepared, but I forgot Sad I don't feel hot?

OP posts:
BeeFarseer · 14/03/2020 15:11

You have a new cough. You stay off. It is that simple.

Original poster
StickyPlant · 14/03/2020 15:12

Actionhasmagic are you leaving it as a freak one day thing?

OP posts:
AnnaMagnani · 14/03/2020 15:13

For most people it will be nothing. Even for those with coronavirus, most will experience it is a very mild illness.

We are all supposed to be self isolating for 7 days even for symptoms you would normally think are nothing, to stop it spreading to others.

Chickenwing · 14/03/2020 15:14

You need to self isolate. It doesnt matter where you have been, you dont know where people youve come into contact with in the last few weeks have been. You wont be labelled a chancer, if you go into work you are being totally irresponsible. People are going to die due to this virus so do not be selfish and go into your work and risk infecting others.

JulietTango · 14/03/2020 15:14

I've had this sort of cough since Monday. I'm staying in until this Monday coming.
I also live in a county with no confirmed cases but that's not stopping me isolating.
My work means I come into contact with lots of the public each week

Original poster
StickyPlant · 14/03/2020 15:15

I know. I know I have to stay off. And I will.

I'm just so upset about it.

OP posts:
nmg85 · 14/03/2020 15:15

I have exactly the same scratchy feeling every year and it's an allergy for me probably due to tree pollen according to the GP. But if the cough is constant then self isolate, not for you but for everyone else who might not be able to fight it.

peoplepleaser1 · 14/03/2020 15:18

I know it seems difficult to decide, but it is clear that someone with a new cough should self isolate. OP you are the same as everyone else and so should really follow the advice that everyone else is expected to.

You should not be worrying about your reputation at work, but if you are, maybe consider how you would feel to have the reputation of the person who ignored the rules when suffering with the virus?

People are no longer being tested. My area's official total is 3 but my friend works in the respiratory ward in one of the three hospitals is our nearest town and they have many many cases, and more than three people very unwell on echmo.

Hope you feel much better soon OP.

Sittinonthefloor · 14/03/2020 15:18

You have to stay at home. I’m in the same situation - mild cough + tight chest. I feel like a massive faker and very embarrassed but the guidelines are very clear 🙁. The NHS website has it written down clearly if you need to show your workplace. I’m guessing there will lots of people soon & who was first will be forgotten.

Nquartz · 14/03/2020 15:19

We're isolating because DD has a cough, she felt unwell first (headache, sore throat) then she had a bit of a temp which has gone now.

I don't care if work think I'm a chance/worrier etc I'm working from home all next week to look after her because she's not going to school.

Fizzypoo · 14/03/2020 15:21

What is actually a persistent cough?

I coughed three times yesterday and I have coughed twice today. Is that a persistent cough? I doubt I'd notice it at any other time.

Original poster
StickyPlant · 14/03/2020 15:22

Is it terrible that I wish the cough part was louder so that I can't be misjudged as faking when I contact work? I'm on the verge of tears atm. So stupid.

OP posts:
Nquartz · 14/03/2020 15:24

@Fizzypoo

DD is coughing every 10/15 minutes consistently. Not sure of the official definition but she doesn't stop for long. Coughs in her sleep a bit too

mnthrowaway202020 · 14/03/2020 15:24

Please stay at home.

I’m being selfish but I don’t want your germs frankly, regardless of it not being covid-19. I have come across so many members of the public just profusely coughing over all and sundry, not even using tissues, not even doing anything important etc. It’s disgusting.

GreyGoose1980 · 14/03/2020 15:26

You are doing the right thing OP. You 100 % need to self isolate, you are not just choosing to be off. Your health comes first and you are also protecting your work colleagues some of which may have underlying health conditions you may not be aware of.

Original poster
StickyPlant · 14/03/2020 15:26

I don't want to put others at risk either. And I won't.

It's reassuring to hear strong opinions and that people don't care if I isolate for no reason in the end so ling as I don't risk it.

OP posts:
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