Currently have a chest infection and asthma flare up. Day 9, was on doxycycline and steroids- yesterday changed to Clarithyromycin as I got really wheezing again in the morning.
Been off work a week all ready.. when is it time to go back? Need to phone gp for sick note this morning but feel so guilty that I should try and get back to work. But not sure I can work with the effects of the steroids 😥
How long away from work for chest infection and asthma flare up is kinda normal?
Tia xx
Only go back when you feel well x no point in going back and not being well enough to be there . What do you do ?
I have been off with chest infections before for 2-3 weeks . I have made the mistake of going back when not well enough and ended up with more steroids and narrowly escaping admission to hospital .
Depending on the attacks or infection, I’ve had anything from 1 week to 8 weeks off. The effects of steroids and work did not mix well for me; I was in the same boat and felt guilty, but when I went back too soon I always ended up back in A&E with another attack or a worse infection.
I'm sorry you are feeling poorly. I have just started back to work after 3.5 weeks off following asthma attack, chest infection and 4 visits to a+e. But I am not doing my full hours yet as I simply can't manage it, but my boss has said that he would rather have me even for some of the time rather than try to do too much too soon and then I go off sick again.
I started off feeling guilty for not being at work, especially as we are short staffed at the minute, but I soon accepted that I was nowhere near well enough to be at work. I couldn't talk and breathe at the same time.
I think it is really important to listen to your body and allow yourself time to rest and recuperate. Don't feel pressured into going back to work before you are ready. Take as much time as you need and don't feel guilty. Your health is far too important.
I hope you feel better soon xx
Thanks for replies. I work in healthcare! But looking after ourselves always comes second eh. Was a good call not going back yesterday.. last day of steroids today and I've tried a lower dose. Peak flow back down and chest tight again. 
feel like I need to be functioning without pred before being able to look after other people again! 
Ha, yes working in health care doesn't always help! If you are not well then do not go back to work. If you work in health care (and I used to quite a few years ago..) then it is important to care for yourself as much as you would for any patient. Being a care worker does not make you superhuman or immune to the effects of illness.
Listen to your body and work with it, not trying to fight it down. It will help you to be a better carer by understanding some of the work pressures others too are under and consider that the body sometimes takes time to heal.
Hi, i was off for nearly 3wks after mild heart attack, also have copd/asthma. Was due back tomo. Went to doc’s yesterday feeling ready & burst into tears, she has signed me off for another 4wks & i have some anxiety meds.
I find it really hard not being at work (i work alongside adults with special needs) but i also realise we must be kind to ourselves.
I hope you feel better soon, take care. Vx
It can take several weeks to bounce back after a bad flare or infection. Take care and don't push yourself!! Hope you get back to your normal self as soon as possible.
Trust your body and how you feel. It is so frustrating not being able to get back to work quickly, but is so necessary to take the time to heal. Hope you recover soon
Hi, I. Sorry to hear that you to are going through the same thing as me at this time , I’m personally on Co-Amaxiclav antibiotics and steroids ,my 5th day , as with all chest infection and asthma flare ups it’s only advisable to go back to work when YOU FEEL WELL ENOUGH, I would suggest maybe another week or 2 at least , as starting back too soon could set you back further and make a full recovery more distant , we are all different, and cope at different levels but I think it’s advisable to listen to YOUR BODY ,
Steroids, Chest Infection, Exacerbated Asthma
Chest Infection and new Biologic
Asthma symptoms since chest infection 
Chest infection without steroids
recurrent chest infections
