Flu and Winter Illness - When to See a Private GP
It started as a cold. Now you are a week in and somehow worse. The cough has settled in your chest. Sleep is impossible. You are exhausted but cannot rest.
Winter illness is predictable but still miserable. Most resolve on their own. Some need medical attention. Knowing the difference saves you either unnecessary worry or unnecessary suffering.
When Winter Illness Needs a Doctor
Most colds and even flu resolve without medical intervention. Rest, fluids, and time are the main treatments. But certain situations warrant seeing a GP.
Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement suggest possible bacterial infection.
Fever returning after initially settling can indicate secondary infection.
Chest pain or difficulty breathing may signal chest infection requiring treatment.
Coughing up coloured phlegm particularly green or yellow, can indicate bacterial involvement.
Worsening rather than improving after the first few days is concerning.
Pre-existing conditions like asthma, COPD, diabetes, or immune suppression mean lower threshold for concern.
Very young or elderly patients have higher risk of complications.
If you are unsure, consulting a doctor provides peace of mind or appropriate treatment. Either outcome is valuable.
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Same Day Consultation for Winter Illness
When you feel terrible, waiting days for an NHS appointment is the last thing you need. Private GP appointments are available same day, often within hours.
Video consultations work well for respiratory symptoms. The doctor can assess your condition, determine whether you need antibiotics or other treatment, and prescribe appropriately.
For symptoms requiring physical examination, particularly chest sounds, in-person appointments are available.
What Treatment Can Help
Antibiotics are not needed for most winter illness, which is viral. But when bacterial infection is present or likely, antibiotics can speed recovery significantly.
Prescription cough suppressants can help you sleep when over-the-counter options are not working.
Inhalers may be prescribed temporarily for post-viral cough or wheeze, even if you do not normally use them.
Antivirals for influenza can reduce illness duration if started within 48 hours of symptoms. Available for those at higher risk.
Sick notes for time off work when you genuinely need to recover rather than spread illness to colleagues.
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Common Winter Conditions We Treat
Influenza (flu) causes sudden fever, severe body aches, and exhaustion. More serious than common cold. Can take two weeks or more to fully resolve.
Chest infections present with productive cough, chest discomfort, and sometimes fever. Often need antibiotics.
Sinusitis causes facial pain, congestion, and headache. May need antibiotics if prolonged or severe.
Tonsillitis and strep throat cause severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. Often bacterial, often need antibiotics.
Ear infections cause ear pain and sometimes hearing changes. May need antibiotics.
Post-viral cough lingers after other symptoms resolve. Can last weeks. Treatment can help.
Preventing Winter Illness
Flu vaccination significantly reduces your risk of influenza. We offer flu jabs throughout winter.
Basic hygiene helps. Hand washing, avoiding touching your face, and keeping distance from obviously unwell people.
Sleep, nutrition, and stress management support your immune system's ability to fight infection.
But even with prevention, sometimes you catch something. When you do, prompt treatment helps you recover faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to see a doctor for a cold? Usually no. Colds resolve on their own. But if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or worsening, medical assessment is reasonable.
How do I know if I have flu or just a cold? Flu typically comes on suddenly with high fever, severe body aches, and exhaustion. Colds develop gradually with mainly upper respiratory symptoms.
Will you give me antibiotics? Only if clinically indicated. Antibiotics do not help viral infections and overuse causes resistance. But when they are needed, we prescribe them.
Can you see me today? Usually yes. Same day and next day appointments are typically available.
Should I get a flu jab now if I am already ill? Wait until you have recovered. But do get vaccinated afterward to prevent different flu strains.
Winter illness is miserable. It does not have to last longer than necessary.
