What is this virus?

[Samsond]

So last Tuesday (8 days ago) I had what I thought was a massive increase in anxiety symptoms. Racing heart, dizziness nausea, general crap feeling. Wednesday same except I noticed I couldn't walk fast at all (weird) then Thursday I couldn't stand up without feeling like I might faint, heart was constantly racing and I spent the whole day in bed, slight chest pain. Friday horrible chesty cough started. And it's still here. It's like i can barely catch my breath, although my HR is closer to normal. I literally can't sleep at all for coughing. No nasal symptoms so it's not a cold I don't think. I thought COVID but testing negative. Any ideas? It does sound like a virus doesnt it? Or do I need to get seen?

Anything with chest pain and a racing heart I’d be rather worried about. Can you call 111 and ask for advice?

The chest pain has gone now I'm pleased to say. Although I do have a sort of feeling of constriction. Like I've got a bra on that's too tight or something. HR is also much closer to normal now. I just looked and it's maybe 30% higher than my normal resting rate but last week it was easily double.
I could try 111 I guess. I just don't trust them really. Bad experiences in the past with incorrect advice when the kids were ill.

Yes, I think that you need to be seen by a doctor. It does sound like a virus. You might have to fight for an appointment but at least you will have peace of mind and hopefully some antibiotics or steroids.

Does it sound like flu, maybe?

Sounds really similar to what I had, unfortunately developed into a cold and has been really long lasting for me, weird virus. But definitely started off with some odd and quite severe symptoms like you’ve described. I went to GP and have had a few tests done for peace of mind, sounds like maybe you should do the same?

Have been really breathless this evening so decided to take a puff of one of DS spare salbutamol inhalers and it's helped SO much. I haven't had asthma in YEARS. I wonder if a virus can kickstart it up again? I hope not.

Hope you're better soon @citrusfruit1

Yes it can, even temporarily, because viruses sensitise the lung and bronchial tissue. You might want to get seen at your GP (even by the asthma nurse, often easier to get an appointment with) who can do a peak flow and prescribe a low dose steroid inhaler and salbutamol to help. I have seasonal asthma, and find I typically only need inhalers for a couple of months after a respiratory virus, until the lungs calm down again.

They are really hot on controlling asthma these days, so mention it to the GP receptionist and they will whip you in for an asthma nurse appt asap!

I really think you should seek proper medical advice. Chest pain, a fast heart rate and breathlessness are all potentially serious symptoms - just because someone on MN had them and was fine doesn’t mean what you have is the same. Please call 111 or your GP and run your symptoms past them. I know you said you don’t trust 111 but I don’t know why you would trust non medically trained strangers on the internet more?

@MissIndecisive2023 I do get what you're saying but I thinking asking "randoms" is looking for opinions and 111 is instruction. I don't trust 111 at all and I won't use them. They misdiagnosed my son and told me he didn't need to be seen when he very clearly DID and almost died a few years back. And taking their advice (even though eventually I didn't and used my instinct and took him to A and E anyway) had me questioned by 5 different medical personnel who were probably thinking of a SS referral for neglect. He is fine now thank god.
Anyway I will try and do an eConsult and see if my GP will see me (unlikely) or maybe go to Urgent Care? Thank you all

I understand what you are saying - to be honest in this case they are very likely to do the opposite and suggest A&E because any chest pain/tightness around the chest would be considered a cardiac event until proved otherwise. I had a quick look at 111 online and before you can even get to the algorithm of putting in your symptoms, any "chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest" they suggest calling 999.

Personally I wouldn't take any chances here. Yes, it might be nothing. And I think you want us to tell you that. But those symptoms might be something very serious and I can't quite fathom why you are using someone else's inhaler rather than getting yourself checked over.

Well it's because it's next to impossible to see a GP and Urgent Care takes up hours upon hours of your time so if it's at all avoidable I'd rather do that. But I've sent an eConsult and been told I'll be contacted by the surgery by 7pm tomorrow. Thanks

I’m glad you submitted the econsult. Hope it’s helpful when they call back.

In case anyone is wondering - I saw the doctor today. I was really worried they were just going to say oh it's viral there's nothing we can do, implying was making a fuss about nothing but actually I apparently have an infection in my left lung and they've given me antibiotics and steroids so should hopefully be on the mend soon 🤞

I’m sorry to hear about the infection OP but I’m so glad you got yourself properly checked. Hope you are much better soon.