My father had a severe covid infection, are these post-covid symptoms normal?

[rahulpp]

Hello,

My father (60) just went through a severe covid lung infection. He was in IC for 3 weeks. Was on constant oxygen support. He could breathe on his own for the first time a few days back. He is maintaining 91-94 oxygen at rest. He was sent home.

But now he has developed a severe dry cough. He coughs a lot whenever he makes any movement (e.g. going to the toilet, after eating anything or even talking). He feels breathlessness. His oxygen levels drop as soon as he starts coughing or performing even minor activities and he requires temporary external oxygen (through an oxygen concentrator).

Is this normal during a recovery? What did you do to get around this?

I am just a little afraid that he might have got a reinfected?

Any help would be appreciated.

[knitter]

I would contact his GP practice today and ask for their advice .Or 111 .

The BLF has a helpline on 03000 030 555.

But I would contact a health professional for advice as soon as you can .

[corriena]

Go back to thr dr or 111. As covid is relatively new its hard to day what is normal

[hypercat54]

Sorry to hear your father has been so ill. He could have long covid? Unfortunately not much is known about this so we can't really advise you as it's very new. I would follow the advice already given by others. I hope he feels better soon.

[peege]

Hi, I'm so sorry about your father. He's been very ill indeed so will take a while to recover completely and with covid probably longer than just a case of pneumonia withoutthecovid element. A case of pneumonia can take months to recover from. My granddaughter is still suffering over a year longer, only 7 and she cannot manage a full day at school yet with .one coved.Read up about long covid, it may help to understand what he may be in for.

He should be getting some form of aftercare, im shocked that he isn't. Please don't hesitate to contact his GP for advice (we're just all patients here), there is a help line 03000 030555 uk office hours.

I do hope your father gets medical support very soon. P

[Kristicats]

It’s probably best to contact his GP to discuss his symptoms. Should be kept an eye on after Covid.

[rahulpp]

Update : We called an ambulance as the oxygen levels dropped significantly on Monday. He is covid negative however there still is a bacterial infection in his lungs. He is stable now, he still requires external oxygen but the infection is reducing.

Let's hope that he recovers from it and will soon be able to breathe on his own.