Regular old chest infection - feel very awkward leaving the house!

[ForThou]

Anyone else just ill with a regular old winter cough? 😖 (Had test - negative), cough is full of mucus and followed a bad cold so just a regular old chest infection it seems.

I feel awful every time I leave my house though! Im not coughing and spluttering all over the place but I do need to clear my chest every so often, I feel like I need to have a sign stuck to me to say negative! Have very thin walls too, can often hear neighbours and I feel really awkward every time I have a bit of a coughing session, mainly at night when I'm lay down.

only reason I'm leaving at the mo to clarify is to walk my dog and I'm keeping a good distance from everyone!

If you already have chest infection, you probably shouldn't be leaving the house anyway. Just to protect yourself from getting Covid.

Yes I'm trying to limit it as much as poss, switched where I can to online shopping for the time being although DH has had to nip for milk and such the odd time to the corner shop.

But he's working long hours at the min so I'm having to take the dog out, trying to go where I don't see a lot of people and keeping as much distance as poss. Get some very disgusted looks though if you dare to cough into a tissue 😖

I'm right there with you OP. I've got a cold at the moment that includes a really tickly cough at back of throat. Tend to be mostly fine in the day with some cough fits that yes will often happen when walking the dog. Coughing is worst in the night. No one has said anything to me yet. I tested negative for Covid on the 27th and this is a cough I get regularly with a cold- sometimes lingers for weeks so do need to crack on with things regardless.

Coughing is the new farting isn’t it?

It’s just a sign of the times and hopefully a temporary state. It’s understandable people are hyper aware of coughs after the last year.

Just make sure that you’re clearly following current guidelines (distancing, masks etc) and try to ignore.

Hope you feel better soon.

Id get another test. They aren't that accurate.

With you there op.
Dh had the cold and cough (negative for Covid)
And then I picked it up from him.

I work in a close contact service so am v aware of it. The coughings not too bad but goes in fits and starts.

I can see my clients flinching when I cough although I'm wearing a mask and then I explain to each and every one of them it's a regular cold and cough

Feel like a lepur.

Dh is also working long hours so I can't hide away and I'm the only one currently working in my business so have to keep trooping on

Just a thought but have you spoken to your GP?

Dd had a lovely run of coughs after starting school resulting in three tests spaced out over the term. I finally rang the GP and apologised that I would usually just let her ride them out but it was getting daft and could we explore treating her for a lingering infection or possibly mild asthma/allergies. She had a course of antibiotics and touch wood has been okay since. I think GP’s are happier to try antibiotics for chest infections or considering a temporary inhaler earlier than they usually would be at the moment precisely because of covid.

Same here OP chesty cough tested negative and dreading going back to work this week and the looks I might get

It's not just me then! I think it's hard after the year we've all had and are still having to remember that there's so much normal crap going round still as with every winter!

@Willyoujustbequiet

Id get another test. They aren't that accurate.

I don't think this is necessary. I don't have any Covid typical symptoms. I had a very bog standard cold, which has now gone onto my chest. It's winter, other illness are still around. I've had a test and it was negative, I can't get multiple tests every time I have a cold.

It does make you feel awkward both my boys got a winter cold with a cough & lots of snot (happens every year)
Negative tests for both of them and DH (hospital dr so got more than one to be sure) but i did flinch every time they coughed when we were out and I did keep the older one of school when he was really coughing even though I wouldn't usually.

@ForThou I think that’s sensible re: another test. Unless you developed further/worsening symptoms there’s little point in retesting. From what I understand you’re unlikely to get a negative test by the time you’re displaying symptoms like a cough.

I actually know several people who have tested negative even after symptoms began and for various reasons retested as positive. It does happen.

Dh tested negative with a cough but isolated anyway.

@CottonSock

Dh tested negative with a cough but isolated anyway.

That’s fab, but my last cough lasted 12 weeks. I had two negative tests. I have three young children and a job, I can’t isolate for 12 weeks.

I have had 'long covid' in the form of a constant cough since March! I avoid going out at all on the few times it is possible to do so, because people look at me like a grenade. I get it. I really do, but it feels a bit shit!