Horrific chest infection/flu

[TakeABreath2023]

Hi,
Overnight on Sunday I developed a horrific hacking cough and a temperature of 40 degrees. I’ve basically been bed bound for three days, and the cough is so violent it wakes me up about every fifteen minutes and my whole body is shaking. Temp has fallen to around 38.5 and I’m now bringing up brown goo. I have the shakes, despite taking ibuprofen and paracetamol on repeat, and my lower back aches horribly. I went to the GP this morning who has prescribed antibiotics but they don’t look v strong (3x 200g Amoxicillin). I’ve honestly never felt this bad in my life. The worst thing is that I literally started a new job two and a half weeks ago, and I won’t be in once this week. I feel like I’m never going to get over this. Does anyone have any tips? I’m 41 with three DCs…

There are some really crappy coughs going around, and many seem to be viral. Just keep taking the meds, rest, drink etc etc. Awkward about the new job but it's not as if you are swinging the lead.

Huge sympathies, my dd had this and it rapidly turned into pneumonia, needing five days in hospital. Monitor yourself very closely - not just temperature but also oxygen levels and heartrate. Get back to your doctor if things deteriorate further.

I am really frightened by pneumonia. My mother had it 8 years ago and it was terrifying. Good tip regarding checking O2 levels. Will get a pulse oximeter off Amazon. At GP I had 99% oxygen days earlier today at least. I just can’t believe how rapidly and how hard it hit me. I keep thinking that this time last week I was a ‘normal’ person. I feel
like I’ll never be that person again!

Poor you, I also have a hellish cough, something like a retired miner with a 200 a day habit!
Have been monitoring and my blood oxygen, is about 96/97% so assuming is just a nasty cold / flu / chest infection. Give the antibiotics a day or 2 before asking Dr for other treatments, you may start to feel effect of them quite quickly. Obviously if suddenly
lots worse / issues breathing then seek medical attention

hope you feel better soon

Everyones ill at the moment.. it will go away, follow gps advice and if it gets worse call 111.. theres no magic cure thst will help instantly so give it time... amoxicillin is pretty standart for chest infections

And steam - hot shower or bath (or just a bowl with a towel over your head old school style) as the steam helps shift the 'goo' making it easier to breathe. Take the full course of antibiotics, keep hydrated and be prepared to cough for weeks after you feel better!

I know it’s the last thing you feel like doing but try to avoid lying flat in bed. It will just make everything sit on your chest. Try and sit propped up on some pillows at least. Take paracetamol regularly and if you feel you’re getting worse rather than better you must seek further advice re 111. You may need stronger antibiotics.

It’s really shit OP. I’m on week 3 of recovery at the moment, the first week and a half was pretty much as you describe. I was off work, hacking cough, constant temp. I had antibiotics and took pain killers and just had to ride it out with fluids and rest.

I’m back working (from home) now but am not ready to go back to the office. I’m still coughing a lot so am exhausted. Think it’s going to be another week or so until I start getting back to myself.

Sincere sympathies.

Steam didn’t help me personally. I tried a hot bath a few times, hoping it would help with muscle aches. It just aggravated my cough.