I have covid/some kind of respiratory virus (not tested yet). This morning my phlegm was streaked with brown.

[buzzheath]

...which I assume is blood. I've never smoked, am generally healthy, early 30s...

My GP surgery told me to call NHS 111, so I'm currently on hold.

Googling in the meantime, which has freaked me out. Particularly as brown blood in phlegm is apparently an ominous sign...

I've not been coughing at all - the main symptoms have been high fever, and a really, really sore and painful throat.

Can anyone reassure?!

Step away from Google for a start. Wait for 111 to call you back.

I’ve got the same Covid tested negative yesterday brown in phlegm a couple of time wouldn’t concern me to be honest nor would steaks of blood considering how hard I’m coughing but if it kept continuing all day I’d call for advice

I had a nasty respiratory infection a few weeks ago and also had some phlegm tinged with brown. It only happened a few times and then stopped. It's a good idea to seek advice but it may be that it's just where you've been coughing a lot.

Maybe you have a lung infection? My dh and dc both had that wirh pneumonia. Antibiotics fixed them up. Hope you are better soon.

Thanks - the weird thing is is that I've not been coughing a lot at all. Super sore throat though, but no cough as such.

Could it be that there is blood in your phlegm from your throat bleeding? Mine does sometimes when it's very sore.

That is reassuring, thank you. I was startled mostly as I don't have a cough at all, but my throat is very sure - so I assume that could cause it.

This will sound daft but sure it's not just something you've eaten colouring your phlegm?

I think I have similar bug. I had something wrong with my eye, plus fever and very sore and swollen throat.

I think... sorry....gross..... I've got very sticky mucus/post nasal drip. I have had no cold symptoms...no runny nose or cough but some post nasal drip and it feels hot and sore inside my nose today. Anything I've eaten seems to be sticking in my throat. In fact, I'm going to goa Nd get more water now!

I've got a bad respiratory infection atm.
I've been coughing a lot and some of the mucus was tinged reddish yesterday. However I have history for similar so it's actually the tighness in my chest and not breathing well that's my main concern.

Hopefully NHS 111 will be able to reassure you and give you advice about your concerns.

Rusty red / brown phlegm is common with pneumonia. If yours is just starting to resolve it could be that. Hope 111 call back soon.

Just spoke to the online NHS 111 (couldn't get a GP appointment) who sort of looked down my throat over the video - my partner did too - and said it looks inflamed and white patches, so possibly tonsillitis. Could that cause the bloody phlegm?

You need antibiotics if it's like that.

Not if it’s viral. You need a swab to decide that. Our pharmacy can do that.

What did 111 say @buzzheath

You could ask your GP if you can submit a sample and they can test it, so you can get the targeted antibiotic?

How are you doing @buzzheath …?

I'm still awful. Throat so so painful. 😔