When to seek medical advice??

[AJB120]

Okay so o tested positive Monday, symptoms have been up and down : constant headache, vomiting, dizziness, no smell/taste, blocked nose, hot and sweaty then cold and shivering.

Today I’ve not been out of bed, my whole body is aching and I’m so weak. My breathing is worse today. It’s often quick fast and shallow then settles. My head is pounding and my eyes are so painful. The room is spinning a lot.

When should I seek help? I’m so confused the nhs website isn’t very helpful and I don’t wanna both them unnecessarily

If you're worried, call 111. They'll be able to assess if you need more help.

Have you got someone who can call on your behalf and sit on hold until they answer?

Do you have someone with you or are you alone? I live alone so I'd be less keen to 'wait & see' than if I had someone here keeping an eye on me.

What 'day' are you on re having symptoms?

Do you have a temperature?

They have learnt that seeing people sooner really helps (no kidding) & early intervention may mean less invasive help is required.

I hope you're feeling better soon, but don't hesitate to call for help if you feel you need it x

Definitely call 119 for advice. I'd also order an SPO2 monitor from Amazon. I've got this one.

amazon.co.uk/dp/B002MEUFKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8XbNFb39N5FQY]]

Anything under 95 requires medical attention.

Do you feel like you can no longer cope at home with your symptoms?

Are you alone or is there someone with you?

My husband is home but he’s looking after our baby, I feel so bad I can’t help out!

I’m trying to get hold of oxygen monitor ASAP, see if one of friends can collect for me.

I’m on day 6 of symptoms and it’s the first day I’ve felt this ill so I think I’m panicking slightly

My temperature is 37.3

The breathlessness kind of comes and goes but when it’s here it’s not for very long and is manangable at present x

Ring 111 or the 111 website they can advise you

Day 8-10 is when things often take a turn for the worse, but early intervention is better. I would also suggest seeking help and getting an oxygen monitor if you can (some new model Samsung phones also have them imbedded so maybe ask around to see if someone can help?)

I hope you feel better soon.

Ring 111.
I remember there was a video going around if a dr recommending some breathing exercises. It’s on YouTube as a bbc news clip.
That might be worth having a go at plus some vitamins c and d in the meantime.

Don't worry about husband and baby, it will give them time to spend together.

It is good that you are not alone though and good that your friend is getting you the oxygen meter.

Personally I would call GP now and ask for advice given that it is Friday.

If you need advice over the weekend like PP said 119 or 111.

However if you feel so ill that you would normally (non Covid times) call 999 then do not hesitate to do so.

Above all else, relax and rest!

If your blood o2 sits between 90 and 94, call 111 or your gp. If it falls below 90 go straight to a&e.

If you can't control your temperature (bring it below 38.5) with paracetamol call 111.

If you stop weeing or experience limb swelling - hospital.

If you cant keep hydrated - a&e.

Any sign of blood clots in limbs or pulmonary embolism (severe chest pain) - a&e

Intense crushing pain on chest - 999

At any point if you cant get through to 111 try 999 or your gp (depending on symptoms).

It is totally normal for even a "mild" case of this virus to make you feel so, so sick ( and on the point of death tbh). The end of the first week/beginning of the second is the worst time so it's likely the next day or two will be particularly rough. Sorry.

Drink, rest, rest more, take it an hour at a time.

I’ve screenshotted your post @Porcupineinwaiting - thank you. That’s all excellent advice

@AJB120 if you feel like you can’t cope or are scared call 111 or 119 and call back if you’re still suffering even after following their advice. It’s not for you to worry about pressure on the NHS, certainly not at the expense of your own health. If you need help please ask for it

Thank you all so much for your advice and help, a friend is on their way with oxygen monitor so that will be a good indicator for my next steps. Thanks again for everything!! Xx

Thanks for that porcupine, I've screenshot that too