The Chest Infection

[Scarlett]

I'm hoping to get advice from those who have or have had this- it's everywhere! I had the flu first for a few days, then 2 days off, then a stomach sickness bug for a few days, then a few days off, and then flu/chest infection and shivers/temperature. I'm now 3 days into antibiotics but still my hacking cough sounds like I'm murdering someone, it's making me retch, I'm exhausted and very short of breath. I'm also asthmatic. The cough feels "empty" and hollow and is not productive. How much longer can I expect this to last?! How was it for you?

[murraymints]

Several weeks...and think it's making a comeback !

[Purist]

I am surprised they gave you antibiotics, I feel for you though, the persistent cough is the worst part especially when you are trying to sleep. From my experience the cough seems to last about 2/3 weeks its at its worst in the middle of the 2/3 weeks then is lessens or perhaps I just became more accustomed to it.

[pastafreak]

I feel like I've been hacking for England the past 10-12 days...and no 2 days are the same. Luckily it doesn't keep me awake at night. But I've still got a snotty nose...which is par for the course for me.

[Garaman]

Antibiotics won't help clear your chest if you have a viral infection from flu. I guess the doctor must think you have a bacterial infection. A chest infection can take weeks to clear, mine normally do.

[murraymints]

no anti biotics for me... just beechams... manuka..Vic inhaler and loads of fluids... just takes time.. lots of sleep ideally, which is not always easy though...

[shoota]

I started Feb 2nd and I'm just beginning to feel better today but still coughing and producing day-glo goo.

[Cloverjo]

I've had a cough for 2 weeks. It feels like it might be on its way out, now. I don't take anything for it except cough sweets and ibuprofen.

[pastafreak]

I'm not sure theres much that can be done besides pain/fever relief, cough sweets...and lots, and lots of sleep.
Just don't come in contact with anyone else who's sneezing or coughing. ;-)

[shoota]

The hardest part was walking the dogs, couldn't breathe, felt like I was wading through treacle, kept going faint and dizzy...
But I soldiered on...

[pastafreak]

That's how I'm feeling now. I want to go at a brisk pace, but my legs will suddenly feel like they are full of bricks, and forget stairs...:-((

[beso]

My cough is just beginning to clear after seven weeks. I have had at least two, possibly three viruses.