Chest Infections

A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or large airways, and it can follow on from a cold or the flu. Many chest infections are mild and clear up on their own within 7 – 10 days, although the cough and mucus can last for 3 weeks.

Symptoms of chest infections are:

• A chesty cough, often with green or yellow mucus
• Wheezing and shortness of breath
• A high temperature of 38C or above
• A headache
• Aching muscles
• General tiredness

If you experience these symptoms you should get plenty of rest, drink lots of water or hot lemon and honey, and use painkillers to bring down your fever and ease muscle pain.

You can also see your pharmacist who can suggest treatments to help loosen the mucus in your lungs so it's easier to cough up.

For further details, including when you should see your GP, please look at NHS Choices - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chest-infection/