The social implications of a non-Covid cough

[Packingsoapandwater]

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?

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.

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 😷

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).

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.

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

Oh that's very interesting!

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.

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.

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......

I want a badge!

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.

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!

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 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.

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