Would you take antibiotics?

[NewYearOldCold]

DS was diagnosed with a bacterial chest infection on the 23/12. He'd been ill since mid-Dec. Much improved within 5 days on ABs. DD and DH were also ill from around Christmas Eve. Bloods suggested DDs was viral. They're still coughing and a bit lethargic but otherwise OK.

I went to the GP yesterday. I've been ill since Christmas Eve. The first week I was really ill. Since then it's not been as bad but I still have a very sore throat (mainly noticed when swallowing), a lot of pressure in one ear, still coughing up gunk and having to blow my nose. No temp. Pulse a bit raised. O2 sats at 99% (was 95/96%).

The GP said he thinks we've all had the flu (I had a flu jab) and that I now have laryngitis. The throat pain (like the ear) is one sided and feels deeper than the back of my mouth.

With painkillers it's not unbearable but I've done nothing much more than lie on the sofa for two weeks. I'm supposed to be back to work on Monday.

I've got a prescription for ABs but if I take them I'm probably going to end up battling thrush for six months.

Would you take them or wait a bit longer?

Yes it can turn into rheumatic fever causing lifelong heart valve damage.

Yes, if a doctor thought I needed antibiotics to help with the symptoms you now have.
Yes, trush is annoying. If you don't want to take medication for trush, I would recommend natural yogurt. It works wonders.

Take the antibiotics. I am off work and never am. Mine went from throat to cough to sinuses to horrendous headache with shooting pains and neuralgia which finished me off and made me go to the doctors. Headache still a problem and controlling with painkillers every 4 hours. Awful.

Thanks, good points. I'll start them.

Yea, I’d take them.

There are things you can do to help counteract the adverse affects of antibiotics.

E g. Take a really good probiotic - something like VSL#3 or BetterVits. Eat/drink fermented stuff like kefir milk, kombucha, live pain yoghurt, kimchi, Sauerkraut, live apple cider vinegar. Eat vegetables, fruit with skin on, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, etc.

Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol and ultra processed foods.

I don't like yoghurts much but worry about stomach with antibiotics and regular ibuprofen. Just bought yakult and also some yoghurt. First time out for a week or so... Drinking hot chocolate in a cafe.

OP I had really bad thrush despite taking a preventative fluconazole, so the last time I took them (just before Christmas) I just took about 5 fluconazole tablets...3 for the first 3 days then for the last 2 days of the 7 day dose. I avoided thrush. You can buy them fairly cheaply online. Obvs not for now but for next time, I always keep a stash.

I should have asked the GP for a prescription when I got the ABs.