Mumsnet Logo
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

NHS Coronavirus information. Information from gov.uk. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you have health concerns, please seek medical attention.

Related: Lockdown Learning, discuss home schooling during lockdown.

Covid

The social implications of a non-Covid cough

14 replies

Packingsoapandwater · 16/03/2020 12:08

I have a very bad cough. It's probably connected to a virus I caught over a month ago, as it's a productive cough ... hence it isn't Covid-19.

But this morning, I realised that I can't really go into public places because if I start coughing in a supermarket or a shop, or in one of dd's classes, people are going to freak out. I can see a scenario where someone might react by getting aggressive or abusive.

So, fundamentally, despite not having Covid-19, I pretty much going to have to stay at home until it clears up.

Is anyone else in this situation?

OP posts:
Please
or
to access all these features

janeskettle · 16/03/2020 12:14

I have a chronic cough (underlying lung disease). I feel extremely self-conscious if I cough while out, even though I am careful to cough a quietly as possible, and into my elbow. I am thinking I should be wearing a badge that says 'Non COVID cough', and I'm only half joking.

Please
or
to access all these features

RufustheLanglovingreindeer · 16/03/2020 12:22

Same

I think my cough may be allergy related as it seems to calm down once the allergy tablets kick in

But this morning i woke with a sniffy nose and my usual cough and really got worried about going to work...by the time i got there it was dying down so i didnt have to ask my boss should i go home

I tried hard not to cough 😷

Please
or
to access all these features

MinkowskisButterfly · 16/03/2020 12:46

Same, my asthma is currently not under control so I am coughing and breathless (been going on for two weeks), I've taken the decision to stay indoors this week (hope to get it under control soon), kept reception dd off school (she had minor cough last Friday that has passed now).

Please
or
to access all these features

MitebiteonFrightNite · 16/03/2020 12:49

Severe brittle asthma here so a cough is my daily norm. I've been getting ALL the dirty looks from people this past week, a few weeks ago it was just nervous laughter and a slight shuffle away from me. I'm staying indoors for now I think. Currently unemployed (due to said asthma) and DH can do shopping etc if need be.

Please
or
to access all these features

aibutohavethisusername · 16/03/2020 12:52

Janeskettle my Dad has a lung condition and the national society he is a member of IS producing badges.

Please
or
to access all these features

janeskettle · 16/03/2020 12:56

Oh that's very interesting!

Please
or
to access all these features

PumpkinP · 16/03/2020 12:59

I posted on another thread but I got called a bitch and dirty and unhygienic on a fb page for saying not all coughs are corona, people really are hysterical atm, so I would be very careful about coughing outside tbh.

Please
or
to access all these features

MashedPotatoBrainz · 16/03/2020 13:00

Same. I have bad allergies and pretty much anything can trigger a coughing fit. I might have to stay in self isolation for the rest of my life.

Please
or
to access all these features

sluj · 16/03/2020 13:00

Just be aware that one of the couple on the cruise ship with Covid 19 had a chesty cough and one had a dry cough. You can't be 100% certain you don't have the coronavirus just because your cough is not dry. Hopefully you don't have it though......

Please
or
to access all these features

RufustheLanglovingreindeer · 16/03/2020 13:00

I want a badge!

Please
or
to access all these features

Dippitydoodle · 16/03/2020 13:06

My little one has a tic disorder and his most recent tic is a little cough which is obviously perfectly timed for current advise making everyone wary. I definitely feel like all eyes are on us. Hoping this one switches out for something else soon. I feel for those of you with ongoing non-corona related coughs.

Please
or
to access all these features

Comefromaway · 16/03/2020 13:08

Ds has had a throat infection related cough for 3 weeks and I caught it from him 2 weeks ago exacerbated by my asthma.

I fell like we need a sign saying it's not new, it's been checked out, we are fine!

Please
or
to access all these features

PicsInRed · 16/03/2020 13:09

I recently gave up waiting it out and got antibiotics for my (bacterial) chest infection, partly to be in the best shape for inevitably contracting Coronavirus underlying conditions Hmm and partly because I knew that it would very soon become impossible to safely venture out in public - and coughing - without abuse - even for essential food and supplies.

Yes the ABs are working, no regrets.

Please
or
to access all these features

PicsInRed · 16/03/2020 13:10

I would carry any prescribed medication you have for a chronic cough. Will be doing the same soon.

Please
or
to access all these features
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Sign up to continue reading

Mumsnet's better when you're logged in. You can customise your experience and access way more features like messaging, watch and hide threads, voting and much more.

Already signed up?