Drs appt

[LeopardPrintHo]

I tested positive Monday, had a really bad cough up until today, and even then, it's only eased slightly. Before that I've had 2 back to back virus's with coughs so as you can imagine my lungs / chest are feeling knackered. I'm going to ring my drs tomorrow and ask they see me for a chest examination/general check up. I had an appt before Xmas in between virus's and they said my chest was clear.
As long as I am feeling a lot better, I plan to return to work on Monday, I've had too much time off with this and the other illnesses.

Do you think my GP will agree to see me tomorrow?

I doubt they’d want you to go in. But could you get an appointment that quickly if they would?
Are you still testing positive?

I would think not. You know what's wrong with you, you don't need to be seen tomorrow unless you deteriorate massively overnight.

I don't know whether I have a chest infection that I need antibiotics for or an inhaler to help my lungs?

You said you’re feeling better and planning on going back to work on Monday if it continues so probably doesn’t need an urgent same day GP emergency appointment? If you’re still struggling after Monday then a long term appointment sounds good, but covid that’s improving just sucks and needs time.

You’ve had a cough for 4 days which is improving today which you know is due to Covid and anticipate being well enough to go back to work after the weekend. What’s making you think you might need inhalers or antibiotics? Wouldn’t occur to me to ask for a GP appointment in this situation.

I'm not feeling better, I said if I am feeling a lot better I will return to work. The cough has gone on longer than 4 days, it's been 5 weeks off and on now but has certainly got worse with Covid. There could be something underlying preventing me recovering as I should due to the length of time I have been poorly.

If you aren’t feeling better you shouldn’t go anywhere near the GP surgery.
Are you still testing positive?

I don't know, I will test in the morning before I ring.
So poorly people should not go near a GP surgery then?

Doubt they'll see you tbh. Do you have any signs of a chest infection? Temperature? Shortness of breath? Wheeze? Crackly lungs?

At our surgery there’s huge signs up saying if you are showing signs of Covid or think you might have it then don’t come in!
Maybe ring them in the morning and explain and they can advise you?

Yes, no SOB now but wheezing and crackling.

Give them a call and they can always advise the best thing to do. Try steam too and a saline nasal spray.

Ask for a phone appt instead, don't go anywhere near the doctors unless they ask you to. Our GP sees Covid patients on a specific treatment room with a separate entrance ,you can't just rock up to the reception like normal.

No, I wouldn't just rock up at reception. As stated above, I am going to ring first.

You need to do the test then make any decisions after that.

If you're feeling so bad you genuinely can't do anything else, then yes phone. If you've got a test, use that before you phone so they know if you're positive or not. If positive, might decide to do a phone consultation. If they want to see you, obviously wear a mask in surgery.