Should I start my rescue antibiotics

[MelAidJack]

Should I start my rescue antibiotics I have a Covid test booked for 9am to rule this out, but my coughing is terrible (I never usually cough, odd I know) my head is banging and my throat and chest feel like they are red raw I have a temp and my body aches . Getting a GP appointment is so hard should I start my rescue antibiotics? this came on suddenly yesterday I have Bronchiectisis

[Badbessie]

Personally I would ring 111 for advice. If it is covid the big danger could be a secondary bacterial infection so starting your antibiotics will not do you any harm. However hold off on the steroids until you get advice from your GP or 111.

[MelAidJack in reply to Badbessie]

Hi Badbessie I’ve had results from Covid and it’s Negative so started my antibiotics Thank you for the reply x

[Hidden]

Hi MaelAidJack. I’m sorry that you feel so poorly. You definitely seem to have a virus of some kind with its associated symptoms. Being a bronch myself, if I were also coughing up more and darker mucus with these symptoms I would start my antibiotics now. If not, I would wait for the result of the covid test and if it some other chest virus ( there are lots about), keep an eye on it for any changes for the mucus. It is very difficult for us bronchs to decide. If you have a bronch specialist why not give their secretary a call and get them to ask the consultant what they think, especially if you test positive.

I hope that helped.

[MelAidJack in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Littleton for the very good advice I’ve started antibiotics so fingers crossed I start to feel better soon x

[peege]

If you can't get through to your bronch specialist do call BLF helpline if you're in the uk. 03000 030555 office hours for specialist advice.

Failing speaking to anyone if I were you I'd start the abs even if it turns out to be covid (yes everyone, it's a virus however very often a secondary bacterial infection will set in for those of us with mucus hanging around in lungs).

Good luck MelAidJack, let us know how you get on. P

[MelAidJack in reply to peege]

Thank you Peege I will keep that number it will be useful I don’t have Covid and started a course of antibiotics so fingers crossed x