Hey everyone, I had a chest infection a few weeks ago and had antibiotics which I thought had cleared up but I am now on another lot of antibiotics and steroids as i have developed another chest infection. Does anyone have any tips to stay safe this time of year? I wear my mask and am fastidious with washing my hands. Just fed up of picking these things up
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Hey there @Adman, so sorry to hear about those infections. I’ve currently got a nasty case of RSV after a bout of food poisoning so am feeling sorry for myself whilst empathising with your infections. I’m surprised you’re taking antibiotics as I thought they didn’t work for viral infections? Perhaps your chest infections weren’t caused by something viral.
Don’t know about how to stay safe right now, but my other half has now been instructed to be more careful around others as we’re pretty sure he brought this vile virus home from seeing ill family over a long weekend (I didn’t go). Being careful socially for me right now means not staying in confined spaces with others unless I wear a mask, and certainly not hanging around others who are sniffling, sneezing and/or coughing. It’s just not worth feeling this ill for a few moments of freedom from masking up!
I somehow got through the pandemic without ever catching COVID-19 by simply masking up and washing hands like you, and am vaccinated to the nines for that and flu, but RSV still found a way to infect me. Grim.
Get well soon! Are you boosting your immune system with lots of healthy foods?
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The doctor said my lungs are inflamed, my chest is really tight and I can’t really do anything without getting breathless, hence the antibiotics. Maybe it’s a bacterial infection but if something goes to my chest I can’t seem to shake by myself.
Sorry to hear you’re having a rough time of it too.
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Hi @Adman I feel for you, I have never had chest problems before.
I also got something wrong and my tight, breathless chest and first of all it was diagnosed as viral, so no antibiotics, but an inhaler that did not help.
I have had an x ray, blood tests etc. and the results were sent to the consultant at the hospital and they have said I should have a course of antibiotics. I take the last tablet in an hours time.
They also found some damage to my left lung possibly because of working with chemicals for 20 yrs.
There is also some fluid on my left lung,
They also said that my heart was enlarged, especially one chamber.
Lots more tests upcoming.
Last night I started coughing and I sounded like a car that would not start. I sat upright for most of the night.
I take the same precautions as you and @Duncan
I just feel exhausted with struggling for air all the time.
Look after yourselves, I am.
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Oh @Erica
I just wanted to say I hope you start feeling better soon and that you rest up and take care of yourself hugs x
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I have a safety tip you might not want to do what I’m doing but I’m still shielding and touch wood I have kept well even when my kids have been poorly we wear masks around the house I Milton everywhere I they have stayed mostly in their rooms until it’s passed
I don’t mix with general population and if I need to access hospital services before hand I have a chat with the dept and tell them I’m CEV
For example I’m having a PET scan Friday and I have been given the first appointment of the day and the nurse will wear a mask so my contact with anyone should be minimal
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Thanks @2DB for the handy hints.
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Oh goodness, those tight chests sound so horrible to tolerate, @Adman and @Erica. I really hope it’s nothing serious for either of you. Thanks for your concern too.
My chest has also been tighter than usual with this blasted RSV and I’ve found the usual sorts of herbal teas help a lot, like sliced lemon, chunks of ginger and honey in a mug of boiled water, and actually mint tea with a dollop of honey is helping open my airways right now as I type. Eucalyptus and menthol oils also help me a lot with chesty/breathing issues, and can be put in baths or diffusers or even a hankie. And there’s always Vicks and tiger balm. Obviously not medicine or prescribed by doctors, but stuff we can do readily at home when we have little energy. Sorry if I’m listing stuff that is obvious!
Let’s hope our current ailments recover soon!
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Hope the scan goes well, @2DB 
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Oh @Erica! I am so sorry you are so poorly. You must be exhausted with all that coughing and lack of sleep and yet you continue to support and encourage us on this forum. Thank you. I hope you are looking after yourself as well as you are looking after us! It is so cold at the moment which doesn’t help. Thinking of you. Willow x
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Thanks so much @Willow it means a lot.
It is misty and cold here today, so I am not going outside.
I have been sitting down too long, my body is not used to it, so I am going to do my Pilates homework for this week now, it involves a ball, coordination and balance !!.
You look after yourself too, you are such a key part of our forum.
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Hi @Adman,
I’m really sorry to hear that you’ve been through a rough time lately. I’m sure it feels a bit never ending right now. It can be so tricky to avoid winters viruses and bugs when you are already run down. Often one things ends and renders you vulnerable to something else.
Everyone has given you lots of support and good advice. Our Blood cancer and staying safe | | Blood Cancer UK) webpage talks about ways you can reduce your risk where possible but we do also understand that sometimes its utterly unavoidable as there is so much in circulation this winter.
It sounds like a sensible suggestion to start you on antibiotics in order to target any lingering bacteria’s. I hope you begin to feel the effect of these soon and start to feel better.
Know that we’re a phone call away if you need to chat things through, Lauran
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Update:
I ended up at my local urgent treatment centre yesterday as my chest was really tight and I was having dizzy spells, got examined and was sent for a chest x ray.
X ray didn’t show anything sinister but showed some fluid in my lungs so I’ve been given two sets of antibiotics and steroids for another 7 days.
I’ve been told I have to rest or this could get serious, I’m also having blood tests to check my immune system
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Oh @Adman I really do feel for you and I am so glad that you did go to your local urgent treatment centre.
It sounds as if you have been given good (but a trifle worrying) medication and advice.
Please really look after yourself and keep posting
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