Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Speak to a GP today about a chest infection — video within 90 minutes, or in-clinic in Manchester the same day if needed. Prescription sent to your pharmacy if appropriate.
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
Enough for most chest infections. Seen today — prescription sent to your pharmacy if needed.
For a chest exam or oxygen check — same-day appointments in Manchester.
A qualified GP listens to your chest and reviews your history. Video or in-clinic.
Your GP explains whether it's likely viral or bacterial and what the right next step is.
If bacterial infection is likely, a prescription is sent to your pharmacy the same day.
Most chest infections are caused by viruses — usually following a cold or flu. Bacterial chest infections are less common but more likely to need antibiotics. You're more likely to get one if:
If you have severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, or chest pain spreading to the arm or jaw, call 999.
Chest infection symptoms overlap with a few other conditions. A GP can tell the difference quickly and start the right treatment the same day.
Often yes. Your GP listens to your chest, takes a focused history (cough, fever, breathlessness, sputum colour) and prescribes antibiotics if the picture fits a bacterial chest infection. Many chest infections are viral — in that case rest, fluids and symptom control work better than antibiotics, and your GP will explain when to come back if you're not improving.
If the consultation suggests a bacterial chest infection and antibiotics are appropriate, the prescription is sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy straight after the call — usually ready to pick up within the hour. We don't prescribe antibiotics for clearly viral infections; that delays recovery rather than speeding it up.
Most chest infections don't need imaging — your GP can diagnose from history and examination. A chest X-ray is arranged when symptoms have lasted more than three weeks, you're not improving on antibiotics, you're a smoker over 40 with a new persistent cough, or your GP suspects pneumonia. Your GP will explain why and arrange referral if needed.
Bacterial chest infections usually start improving within 48–72 hours of antibiotics, with the cough taking 2–3 weeks to fully settle. Viral infections follow a similar arc without antibiotics. A cough that's getting worse, blood-streaked sputum, or breathlessness that worsens at rest needs urgent review.
Wheeze and breathlessness without fever or productive cough often points to an asthma flare. Itchy eyes and sneezing point to hay fever. Persistent cough with weight loss, night sweats or coughing up blood needs urgent investigation — book a same-day appointment or, if symptoms are severe, call 111 or 999.
Severe breathlessness, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, coughing up blood, or feeling so unwell you can't manage at home are A&E or 999 calls — a private GP appointment is the wrong route for any of those. For everything else, a same-day GP review is the right step.
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Sources: NHS Chest infection · NICE CKS Chest infections — adult