Chest Infection or Bad Cough in London? When You Need Antibiotics and When to See a Doctor Today

Most coughs and chest infections are caused by viruses and clear up on their own, with the cough often lasting up to 3 weeks. NICE guidance is clear that antibiotics do not help most people with an acute cough or bronchitis, but they do matter when someone is very unwell or at higher risk, for example with pneumonia. If you are breathless, coughing up blood, over 65, pregnant or have a long-term condition, a doctor should see you. At The Online GP by The Wellness a GMC-registered doctor can assess you the same day, by phone for £59 or in person in Marylebone for £220.

Key points

A cough with a cold or bronchitis usually lasts about 3 weeks. The mucus and tiredness can linger even as you recover.

NICE advises against antibiotics for an acute cough in people who are not very unwell or at higher risk, because they do not improve recovery and cause side effects.

Antibiotics are offered straight away to people who are systemically very unwell, ideally after an examination.

Coughing up blood, a cough lasting more than 3 weeks, feeling very unwell or getting worse are all reasons to see a doctor.

Unsure if you need to be seen? Message a GMC-registered doctor on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.

What is the difference between a cold, bronchitis and a chest infection?

A cold affects the nose and throat. Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the airways in the chest, usually after a cold, and causes a cough that can bring up mucus. Both are nearly always viral. Pneumonia is an infection deeper in the lungs. It is more likely to cause a high temperature, breathlessness, fast breathing and feeling properly ill, and it is the chest infection where antibiotics make a real difference.

Do I need antibiotics for a chest infection?

Usually not. NICE guidance NG120 says not to offer an antibiotic for an acute cough linked to a cold, and not to routinely offer one for acute bronchitis, in people who are not systemically very unwell or at higher risk of complications. The reason is simple: antibiotics do not shorten these illnesses and they bring side effects and resistance. (NICE NG120)

Antibiotics are the right call when a doctor finds signs of pneumonia, when you are very unwell, or when you are at higher risk because of age, a lung or heart condition, diabetes or a weakened immune system. Sometimes a doctor will give a back-up prescription to use only if things do not improve.

When should I see a doctor today?

See a doctor if you feel very unwell or are getting worse, cough up blood or blood-stained mucus, have had a cough for more than 3 weeks, are pregnant, are over 65, or have a long-term condition or a weakened immune system. (NHS)

Call 999 for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion or collapse. (NHS: when to call 999)

What helps while a chest infection settles?

Rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and aches, if they are suitable for you. Honey in warm water can soothe a cough in adults and children over one. Keep an eye on your breathing and your temperature, and get seen if you are not improving after 3 to 4 weeks or if you get worse at any point.

What happens at the appointment?

The doctor asks about your symptoms, how long you have had them and your health background. In person, they check your temperature, pulse, breathing rate, oxygen level and listen to your chest. If they suspect pneumonia or something else, they can arrange blood tests or a chest X-ray and prescribe where it is needed. If you do not need antibiotics, you will leave knowing why, what to expect day by day and exactly when to come back.

What it costs

Private urgent care in central London is priced across a wide range, and the difference is usually speed and who you see. At The Online GP, the consultation price includes the doctor's assessment, a prescription where appropriate and clear advice on what to do if symptoms change.

Telephone consultation with a GMC-registered doctor, 15 minutes, the same day, £59.

Same-day urgent appointment in person at Portman Square, 30 minutes, with a chest examination, £220.

Blood tests, a chest X-ray and onward referral arranged where they are needed.

See a doctor today. Message us on WhatsApp.

Why patients choose The Online GP by The Wellness

Because a doctor tells you honestly whether you need antibiotics, following NICE guidance rather than handing out a prescription to close the call.

Because the signs of pneumonia are looked for properly, in person where it matters, with oxygen levels and a chest examination.

Because blood tests, X-rays and referrals sit in the same team, so nothing is lost between appointments.

And because it is the same day, 7am to 9pm every day, including for visitors to London who have no NHS GP.

Related reading

Our guides to private GP appointments in London, adult vaccinations including pneumococcal, food poisoning and shingles.

See a doctor today. Message us on WhatsApp, email team@thewellnesslondon.com, or call +44 20 3951 3429.

Appointments also run at the Light Centre, 9 Eccleston Street, London SW1W 9LX, close to Victoria.

Frequently asked questions about chest infections

How long does a chest infection last?

The cough and mucus from a viral chest infection or bronchitis can last up to 3 weeks. Most people feel better sooner. See a doctor if it lasts longer or you get worse.

Can I get antibiotics for a chest infection the same day?

Yes, if a doctor finds you need them. NICE guidance advises antibiotics for people who are very unwell or at higher risk, and not for most viral coughs. A telephone consultation is £59 and a same-day appointment in person is £220.

How do I know if it is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is more likely with a high temperature, breathlessness, fast breathing, chest pain and feeling very unwell. It needs a doctor to examine you and check your oxygen level.

Is a chest infection contagious?

The viruses that cause most chest infections spread through coughs and sneezes. Wash your hands, use tissues and stay away from vulnerable people while you have a fever.

When should I call 999?

Call 999 for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion or collapse.

This article is for information and does not replace personal medical advice. All consultations at The Online GP by The Wellness are with GMC-registered doctors. Written and reviewed by the clinical team at The Wellness. Last updated September 2026.