When do you call a doctor?

[Meckity1]

Son, 13, has had a cough for a few days now and is short of breath and sort of gasping with it. He can talk and isn't blue or anything, and he can eat, though he isn't hungry.

If he doesn't get better, when do I call the doctor?

A friend who had suspected Corona virus, was told that it's when you can no longer speak in full sentences.

But I would have a look at 111 if you're concerned about him.

If in any doubt you can call 111.

@teainthetardis I wasn't able to get through to 111 when I thought I may have it, a few weeks ago. Has it eased up?

If your DS is actually gasping for breath then you should dial 999 now.

If he is gasping I would call a doctor

999 if he's gasping for breath.

That doesn’t sound good op. Is your local doctors open? If so ring them.

I'm concerned in general at the advice to wait until you can hardly breathe. Isn't earlier intervention better if it develops into pneumonia?

It's not like he's constantly gasping, just gasping now and again, like he is just catching an extra breath. He can talk in full sentences but is yawning/coughing like when you need to catch a little more air.

I went through the nhs checklist online (thank you @teainthetardis) and it's self-isolate. We've been doing that anyway, so that's something.

Thanks for all the help. I just don't know what to do. I'm keeping a close eye on him.

Can you call your gp surgery for advice?

@HistoryHeroes I'll have another go this afternoon. It's quite a deprived area, so I guess it's going to be busy. I really appreciate the replies. I feel so lost.

Phone 111. Your GP most likely will refer you there anyway if you have a cough, temp or a sore throat.

OP, I hope you get help soon. I saw a thread with this breathing technique which may help while you are waiting for proper medical Advice

m.youtube.com/watch?v=HwLzAdriec0

I'm concerned in general at the advice to wait until you can hardly breathe. Isn't earlier intervention better if it develops into pneumonia?

Yes I thought this too, but I have now seen two people say the same thing about being told that you have to wait until you can no longer speak in full sentences. One of the sources of this info is a paramedic, so I was inclined to believe it to be true.
Maybe it's because they can't do much to help? Or trying to restrict numbers getting ambulances.

This is just personally what I have heard, but as always, if concerned people should seek advice from their GP / 111.

Go here now 111.nhs.uk and fill in the online form. I found it very efficient a few days ago. We had a call from a doctor within 3hrs and our issue doesn't seem as serious as yours.

Lots of people seem to be presenting too late and the nhs want to help

@Proseccoh Thank you. I filled in the form and it looks like it's self isolation. Poor kid. Though he can still manage a computer game, so he could be worse.

Just quick update, got through to GP who told me to ring 111 who I couldn't really hear well due to fuzz on the line but we have to self isolate.

Thank you for the help.

We were self isolating anyway, so no real change.

Wishing him a speedy recovery Meckity1

Hope he's better soon OP, glad he can still play video games though at least!

Thanks. It could be a lot worse, and I'm sending out general good vibes to all who are struggling, in whatever way, today.

Really appreciate being able to ask on here. Sometimes you feel like there is nowhere to turn, but this can be a really great place.

Really appreciate being able to ask on here. Sometimes you feel like there is nowhere to turn, but this can be a really great place.*

I agree, I've seen so much positivity over the years I've been on here, I think it outweighs the negative.