Virus Or Bacterium

[Maydup]

I have a very sore throat, ear ache and it hurts to swallow. After two days of agony and approaching the weekend I called into the doctors this morning.

The GP identified a swollen tonsil and suggested the problem is viral rather than bacterial. But in case he's wrong he's given me a prescription for antibiotics. He said not to take them unless I have to as I'll simply end up with diarrhoea if there are no bacteria to fight. I'll give it another 24 hours, but I'm wondering how I shall know if its v or b?

[woofgang]

what a sensible doc. If its viral it should subside in a day or two. have you tried gargling with soluble aspirin?

[Maydup]

He suggested gargling with salt water which I've done once today, but I don't have any asprin. How often should I do it do you think?

[pixie373]

I'd give it 4 or 5 days - unless it gets obviously worse.

[woofgang]

if you don't swallow then as often as you like, if you swallow then check the maximum dose on the packet.

[Sqad]

\\\but I'm wondering how I shall know if its v or b? \\\

You won't, just do what the Doc does........guess.

Even if you guess correctly that it is bacterial, you probably won't need the antibiotics.

[Maydup]

In that case its 2 x paracetamol every 4 hours, some gargling and a lie on the sofa. I don't have 4 or 5 days as I'm off on holiday soon, but I'd rather have the end of this I think rather than the side effects of antibiotics.

Next question ..... Would you cash in the prescription and keep the antibiotics for a rainy day when the sensible doctor is not on duty?!

[woofgang]

I'd be tempted but i wouldn't. If you need an antibiotic for something else it might not be the right one, also I avoid them like the plague because of the effects on my stomach.

[Fusion5]

I would fill the prescription just in case you Need them.

[jno]

if I have to take them, I find doing it with a pot of yoghurt helps my stomach.

[Jeza]

I'd get the script, you never know when they will come in handy.

[237SJ]

I`d definitely cash in the prescription just in case things take a downturn on your holiday.

[whirlyhurly]

My oh my you are indeed fortunate to be given a prescription for antibiotics. My doctor refused point blank for over 3 weeks, and I ended up virtually begging for them, and thanking him profusely for his kindness.

[Sqad]

whirly.....you don't seek kindness from your doctor, you seek his opinion, which may or may not result in a prescription for antibiotics.

[Maydup]

I'm pleased to say that I have done without the antibiotics; the pain in the ear and throat has eased today although I feel hot and achy now. I think this virus is moving on now.

I haven't cashed the prescription in for a rainy day. (Still considering it though)

[Sqad]

Maydup:

Well played.....you know it makes sense ;-)

[whirlyhurly]

Yes, agreed Squad, I wasn't bothered about his "kindness", but after 3 visits and hardly any sleep with coughing, I suppose I was rather "over the top" with relief at finally achieving my goal of getting the "gold dust" which is antibiotics.

[Sqad]

whirly...;-)

[Maydup]

Its now Sunday evening and the sore throat and ear ache is bad again. Yesterday seemed easier but today has been painful. I've gargled and taken regular paracetamol but i don't seem to be getting anywhere.

Its been going on too long now, so its antibiotics for me tomorrow. I'm very disappointed, but I cannot go on holiday is this pain.

[anneasquith]

why wait until tomorrow to start antibiotics, take them tonight .

[Maydup]

I need to get them Anne, its just a prescription so far. This earache is extremely changeable and having switched from paracetamol to ibuprofen last night, things have eased again.

I'll cash the script this morning and pack the antibiotics, but again, I will do my best not to take them.