Just wanted to know what it's been like for those who have called because it was very confusing for me.
I did the online thing because I have had a few coughing fits for several days & other random mild symptoms but no fever. Today I saw on the NHS that a continuous cough is not just repeated constant coughing, but also 3 or more bouts in a 24 hour period so I'm thinking OMG.
As I'm high risk or v high risk whatever, I do the online thing which tells me I need to call & must speak to a nurse. The automated system says press 1 if you want to talk about corona, press this if you have symptoms - then it states most symptoms are mild & you should just deal with it yourself but press 1 if you're really sick (which I do because the online 111 said I had to speak to someone), then you have to chose between being over 65 (not 70?) or not. The operator says the info on NHS about a continuous cough being 3 bouts or more within 24 hours is not what they have been given, it is a constant cough. Great, however no advice about underlying health issues- it was the same self isolate for 14 days, wash your hands then go about your business after that (not acknowledging that I have to stay home for 12 weeks due to health).
I asked what do I do if I were to deteriorate (anxiety talking as this worries me the most) & she said call 111 but press 2 because I was through to the Covid-19 rapid response team & they can't provide medical advice! So when you first call 111 & have the option of selecting 1 if it's about corona or 2 if it's anything else you have to select 2?! Totally nuts.