Mumsnet diagnosis please

[deflatedbirthday]

I can't get through to the GP (who can?!) and I'm weighing up the walk in centre. In the meantime, I'd like a mumsnet diagnosis please

My symptoms are thus:

• Quite sudden onset right-sided facial swelling. More in the cheekbone/ under eye area. It's got gradually worse throughout the day. Started about 9am when I felt a bit flushed at work.
• Teeth don't appear to be affected but it is uncomfortable when opening my mouth
• Some dull ache and throbbing along the cheekbone
• a random ulcer has appeared on the right side top gum
• a slight sore throat and a recent (in the last 30 mins) headache. Nothing major though
• Feel generally well otherwise

I'm tempted to let it just go away by itself. The walk in centre will be rammed.

Cold/ hot compress and some ibuprofen?

Can you ask for any antiretroviral drugs? Do they work for sihngles?

Well I've been seen

It's a recurrence of Ramsey Hunt. 800 mg antivirals 5 times a day for 7 days!

How are you feeling?

@Underscore21 I feel not too bad. A little achy but nothing major.

I'm dreading taking the antivirals though. Last time they made me feel dreadful!!

I've got a rash now. Well blistered spots. Two on my face and three on my chest.

I've searched for my work policy on this but I can't find one. I work for the NHS non clinical but I'm due to be in a clinical area tomorrow.

I feel well enough to work (a bit run down but nothing major) and I do have the capacity to work from home however they are funny about doing this if you are poorly which I understand.

I suppose ill have to contact occupational health in the morning? If they tell me I cannot come in would that be sickness or medical suspension?

😩 bloody viruses!

There is a possibility of herpes zoster viral shedding from the blisters, especially if in an uncovered area like the face. There may be immunosuppressed patients in the clinical area or people /children who've never had chicken pox. It's possible to catch chicken pox from shingles blisters, same virus.
Can you work from home or in a non-clinical area? Hope your line manager is sensible OP.