Norovirus/Aspiration Pneumonia - Recovery time?

[Velmy]

I became sick at the beginning of last week. After a few days of awful vomiting, fever, being unable to keep food or fluids down, I went to the GP who said it was likely Norovirus and would clear up in a few days.

The vomiting wore off over the weekend but I developed a horrendous cough (worst I've ever had), fever stayed, felt generally wiped. Went back to the GP as advised on Wednesday, who took HR (tachycardic), oxygen (way too low), temp (way to high) and sent me straight to A&E.

Bloods, X-Ray...long story short I have Aspiration Pneumonia - Apparently what happens when you're sick so much that stuff gets into your lungs and causes a bacterial infection.

Spent the day on an antibiotic drip and have been sent home with a seven day course of antibiotics. Appetite isn't fully back but after eating only a single pack of dry crackers in a week, I've now managed some crumpets and a couple of pieces of chicken.

Has anybody had any experience of this in terms of recovery times? I'll finish the antibiotics on Wednesday and have an overseas work trip Thursday...is that realistic? Or should I actually do as I'm told for once and rest?

I'm 40 and in otherwise good health, never smoked, probably drink a little bit over the recommended.

How awful for you. Aspirational pneumonia is more common (IME) in older people with a reduced gag reflex, say after a stroke.

I would absolutely not be going on an overseas trip the day after the antibiotics finish! You won't suddenly be feeling 100%. You might need a 2nd course or at the very least, have a lingering cough for weeks. IF you are feeling up to it, can you WFH and join the meetings from there?

Absolutely would not be going on an overseas trip. You really need your rest and get fully fit. Pneumonia has s habit of lingering and if nothing else your body has bern through a tough time. Rest, rest, rest.

Don't fly with it. Insurance won't cover you if it worsens on your trip. Dh was very ill with it and took months to recover. Horrible residual cough.

I've just got over pneumonia (not asspirational), but it floored me. No way would I be going on an overseas trip. You need to rest and recover.

I was in hospital 5 weeks ago with pneumonia. I'm just going back to work next week. I've been really ill.

How long ago did he have pneumonia. Does he still have cough now?

He had it very severely , spent five weeks in hospital four years ago. Cough lingered for months and resurfaced with slightest cold.

i certainly wouldn't travel by air without medical advice and discussing it with your insurance company/the airline. The effects of altitude on oxygen levels can become problematic for people with respiratory illnesses.

The main purpose of the trip is something I'd have to be there in person for, unfortunately.

I've asked work to give me a few days to make a decision but given how I'm still feeling I think I'll be telling them on Monday that I won't be able to make it.

Going to take Drs advice for once and actually rest!