Forum Topic

Mild Coronavirus symptoms

My wife and I believe we have had mild symptoms of the virus. Most likely contracted after I had overnight stay in hospital at end of March. We have had loss of smell and taste, fever, cough and tight chest and body aches. Just as we think we are on mend we have a bad day or two. Nothing dreadful but we wondered if anyone else had had similar symptoms.  Just concerned about how long it is taking to recover with just mild symptoms.

Sean Wales ● 2393d24 Comments

Call your doctor

Claire Moran ● 2393d

Yes, phone your doctor or 111. Especially if you’ve had symptoms over one week or are short of breath when resting.

David Turner ● 2393d

"Call your doctor"Actually the advice at gov.uk is to go online to the 111 coronavirus service. (111.nhs.uk/covid-19).As well as giving you advice, they will also be interested to hear about all your symptoms, as it adds to the total knowledge about the virus.When did you leave hospital and when did the symptoms first appear?

Richard Jennings ● 2393d

I should add that my sister and family had the same experience  as you better one day, worse the next, and so on.  All recovered now.

David Turner ● 2393d

I hope 111 is btter than when I tried them a few years ago after a rusty nail in the garden pierced my foot and blood was flowing freely. They were appalling, time-wasting and a hindrance rather than a help, just seemed to be reading from a script, very hesitant, long pauses and  obsessed about whether I felt faint.  I didn't. I was just worried I might get sepsis or other infection.  They were so dismal I phoned the doctor who put my mind at rest that I had already had a tetanus injection which should still be overing me so anything serious was unlikely but would be happy to discuss further if bleeding/swelling/pain didn't subside quite quickly.

Claire Moran ● 2393d

I wish you and your wife all the best, Sean.  Get well soon, but meanwhile do call 111.

Alastair Banton ● 2393d

I had the same Phoned 111They were excellent My breathing wasn’t a big problem But still have a slight cough But still can’t do things as quickly I as used toLots of water Pain relief RestBut I would phone 111It will be 3 weeks tomorrow since I had the high temp and sore throat

Jon morris ● 2393d

Wishing you and your wife a speedy recovery

James Smith-Jones ● 2393d

Sean, I had same symptoms without fever in mid-March. Everybody's experience will be different so I wouldn't presume to suggest that mine will be instructive. However, I felt worst on day 8 after first experiencing loss of state and smell. I worked up to then from home feeling rough but had to stay in bed for the 8th day and then felt much better after. Cough reached intense level and had to lie on side to relieve it. From what I understand through research and talking to friends in the profession it is normal for symptoms to intensify at around day 8/9. That is the time to be cautious and seek help if in any doubt.Again just personal experience but i am now exercising, running, cycling as normal one month after first experiencing symptoms.I hope that helps in some way.

Paul Campbell ● 2393d

My husband called 111 yesterday on a matter not related to the virus.  They called him back quickly and gave excellent advice.  I would recommend calling them if you feel unwell.

Maggie Dodge ● 2393d

I guess it also depends on your age and general health or underlying health conditions.

Steve Taylor ● 2393d

It is a bit tedious calling 111.  Long before this crisis I had an attack of what turned out to be gout.  Went through the questionnaire, I suspect the pauses are due to data entry, was told I would get a call back. Several hours later I got a call back from a very pleasant specialist who gave me some good advice, which I followed. So don't be put off, call 111 ASAP.

David McLoughlin ● 2393d

We've had the same, more or less.Keeps coming and going just like you say, and goes on for weeks. Very frustrating. But can't complain I suppose relative to people who get it much worse. 111 told me to contact my GP.GP told me to contact 111. Just like the 'go ask your mum' situation.

Simon Pedley ● 2393d

I have had  what I presume to be C19 - chills, temperature, aches, fatigue, breathlessness and cough.I am on the mend now but still feel very tired and have days when I feel more tired than others.  From what I have read, this is ‘normal’ but I have found it reassuring to hear this.

Sandra Jones ● 2393d

Hi - at the end of March I spent best part of 10 days in bed with virus symptoms, and just like you, when you think you are on the mend, you get a bad day (with temperature). After 7 days of symptoms I called 111 and spoke to a triage person and then a doctor who advised that if after 14 days, I was still unwell, as in getting worse, then I was to call for an ambulance. The doctor who I spoke to also advised, that if you are able to count to 8 without fighting for breath, then you are 'ok' and do not need current medical intervention. Meanwhile - have plenty of rest and take paracetomal on a regular basis to fight off any aches and pains. Wishing you both well.

Diane Tomey ● 2392d

To anyone with these horrible symptoms I wish you well, but do agree with the sentiments about 111 - we found them completely hopeless. My son was very ill last year and we 'phoned them and they said that he wasn't well enough to call an ambulance! Quite how they worked that out on the end of the 'phone God knows! He deteriorated so we called again and they then said we should call an ambulance but it would be at least a two hour wait! Fortunately we were able to get him to the West Mid in the car, with some difficulty as he was really not with it at all, and he's a big lad. The WMUH were brilliant - turned out he had Pnuemonia and was in hospital for four days!

Vanessa Smith ● 2392d

If you think it is an emergency, then 999 is the number to call, not 111. If you need an ambulance quicker than 2 hours, then it's probably an emergency. 

Rob Reynolds ● 2392d

If you think it is an emergency, then 999 is the number to call, not 111. If you need an ambulance quicker than 2 hours, then it's probably an emergency. 

Rob Reynolds ● 2392d

Hi Sean, The pattern you describe is one that we experienced in our household. Feeling a lot better then struck down again. The virus took a good 4 weeks to fully get on top of, where headaches had stopped and the person could function normally day after day. 
With respect to dialling 111 or 999 — it is useful for people to be aware that my colleague (a male type 1 diabetic, 50 years old) called 111 on several occasions over 2 weeks or so. His symptoms were increasing in severity. Each time to be told to self isolate. He finally called 999 when his breathlessness really worried him. 
On arrival at hospital the medical staff expressed dismay he had left it so long to call 999. He spent 10 days in ICU, on a ventilator. He is on the ward now with a long road to recovery. 
Don't rely on the advice of 111. If breathless, call 999. 

Angela Knight ● 2392d

http://www.ealingtoday.co.uk/default.asp?section=info&page=ldrsnhs003.htm

Philippa Bond ● 2392d

Very helpful and comforting! Thanks posters.

Jim Lawes ● 2391d

Vanessa, your son was very lucky to recover, my Niece died of pneumonia age 43 some years ago now, but it's a very serious illness.

Janice Evans ● 2390d

Finally symptom free. After 3 weeks with mild symptoms that came and went. Stay safe everyone.

Sean Wales ● 2390d

Good news!

Vivienne Cox ● 2390d