Those with underlying eg. chronic coughs, how have you been dealing with the public

[Mummy195]

I have a coughing asthma, on and off long before Corona. It comes out in violent coughing fits. All sorts of triggers/ irritants etc. change of season, dust, pollen, draught, exercise, postnasal drip, pollution, you name it. So I am constantly coughing throughout the year.

I consider myself in the vulnerable side and always use a mask when I go out and take really good care with distancing, washing hands and goods etc. So far no one from my family has had Covid. And obviously, my condition is not infectious so no one from my family or close friends has had coughs even. I went to test a few times over the months because of the situation, just to be sure and all has been clear.

This weekend, I set next to a particularly draughty window and realised I would get sick. Right enough I have a runny nose and constant cough fits.

I was on the bus this morning, trying to suppress the cough which has a tendency to come out in public or when I am on a call too. As I was getting off, this woman in the bus shouted that I have been coughing for 2 weeks now and I am endangering everyone and this is criminal. I was gobsmacked as the bus closed the doors and took off. I was thinking to myself that at that point, no way I would succeed moving around for two weeks with Corona, I would surely be in hospital or worse with my underlying condition.

Am I supposed to go around with some Dr documents showing my sickness or brandish my ventoline to everyone ? When I told my sister she said I should tell the woman she is harassing me as she does not know my situation.

In the meantime, we don't have a testing centre available close by currently , I am struggling to get one. I also do not fit the requirements, as no temperature or other requirements, just the constant cough.

What have people done in this situation.

Last week I got on the bus with a woman shouting as she had to explain to some man that she was exempt from masks, I imagine she was tired of explaining at that point.

I’m sorry you were harassed by a stupid woman OP. I have a chronic cough, usually from March to the beginning of September but unfortunately this year it’s carrying on. So far I’ve got away with explaining it’s allergies but I’ve dreaded this sort of thing happening.

I suck cough sweets if I think something is likely to trigger my cough (I have hay fever). Jakemans are my favourite - cheap and long lasting and if you really want some extra personal space the black ones are really pungent

Spoke to school about it - DD always gets a cold which will turn into a lingering cough (she has a history of respiratory issues)... nope - banned from school until tested, despite having a clear medical reason. They're basically one cough and off you go for the in-depth nose picking session.

I have an allergy related cough, once ive taken my allergy Tablet the Cough generally disappears late morning

Ive had two 9.30 appointments at a dentist and orthodontist and both times ive been in a bit of a ‘state’ trying to work out if its a new cough (even though it’s usually the same one) and getting so nervous that i cough more, try not to and then hurt my throat 😀

Ive told everyone i need afternoon appointments now 😀

She's an idiot. I know someone who's had a badge made because he can't wear a mask and was tired of angry stares from people (physically he looks like a healthy young guy), could you do something similar? You shouldn't have to, but if it makes your life better.

Separately though, you didn't catch a runny nose from being near an open window, colds are from viruses and not draughts - if anything open windows make it much safer from a virus perspective, there have been studies on covid transmission on buses that show that people near open windows were most likely to be spared - if you're vulnerable you should be aiming to be outdoors or near windows as much as possible.

You shouldn't have to no, but in public I would absolutely have your inhaler to hand, yes. Pretend to take it and say, "Sorry, damned asthma!" with a breezy smile every time you feel or have a coughing fit come on.

Yes, I’ve got a chronic cough - perennial rhinitis aka hay fever that’s all year round. Mild asthma. I was shielding for other reasons and just rarely go anywhere even now. Not sure how long I can stick it. It’s all a bit crap.