Viral Or Bacterial Infection?

[smurfchops]

I had a lung infection just over a year ago and have been told I have bronchiecstasis. No chest illnesses since then. However I now have a chesty cough and a bit of wheezing, with yellowy mucus. I have been given Clarithromycin for an emergency, eg if I fall ill with an infection on holiday. However I am worried I have another chest infection coming on now and am wondering should I take the Clarithromycin? I can't see a doctor now till Monday and apart from the cough I don't feel ill or have a temperature. In fact my temperature is a bit low, around 37. What should I do? How do I tell if it is viral or bacterial?? Thanks all.

[Sqad]

How do I tell if it is viral or bacterial??

You can't.....even Drs can't without a lab test.

As you haven't a temperature and feel fine, then don't take the antibiotics. The colour of the sputum is no guide to whether it is bacterial or viral.

Monitor the situation.

[davebro]

Take the antibiotics! I had a severe chest infection a couple of months ago (just a sore throat to start, no temperature, no cold symptoms), waited too long & ended up in A&E. Took me 4 extremely distressing & painful weeks to recover.

[smurfchops]

Oh dear... Which advice do I take? Sqad how do I monitor the situation, do you mean if it gets worse and I feel rough, I should take the antibiotics? I don't like taking them unless I really have to.... Or do I listen to davebro-???

[smurfchops]

Davebro what were your symptoms?

[Sqad]

Davebro has given his opinion and i have given mine.

What I mean by "monitoring the situation is seeing what and if symptoms appear e.g if you develop sore throat, increasing cough, temperature and feeling unwell.......then act by taking the antibiotics.If you remain symptomless, then don't take them.

Davebro may be right............at this moment i think my opinion is correct.

[smurfchops]

Thanks for your advice.