Do chest infections always need antibiotics?

[BonnyBoy]

Cough and (sorry) thick green phlegm still lingering after a cold. PCR negative.

My chest is sore and uncomfortable- feels like there's stuff to cough up. Feel under the weather but no fever. I'm assuming it will resolve without the need for bothering GP for antibiotics but my friend was aghast I'm not making an appointment?

Absolutely not an expert but my understanding is that is the phlegm is green then you do need antibiotics.

Can't you get a phone or Livi appointment?

I had a chest infection for a week which then turned into something really nasty with green phlegm and breathlessness - so viral to worse

GP immediately prescribed antibiotics for 5 days which cleared it up

Colour of phlegm is not an indicator of whether you need antibiotics. Most chest infections will clear themselves within about 10 days. Latest NHS advice is here www.nhs.uk/conditions/chest-infection/

Bacterial infections are the only ones that antibiotics will work against but doesn't mean you have to take antibiotics for every one

Colour of phlegm is not an indicator of whether you need antibiotics

True, but it probably is an indicator that you should see a doctor to check.

I'd say green = antibiotics.

Before I retired, I would end up getting antibiotics for my annual chest infection every time, because two or three weeks off work raised eyebrows and sickness management procedures and I felt pressured.

This year I decided to try and do without antibiotics, green phlegm and all. I had Vick and breathed steam and had very strong fumey lozenges to help the cough.
I am in week three and nearly symptom free, just a bit of morning coughing gunk and chest tightness. I will pronounce myself well in a few days. 🙂