Chest infection

A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or large airways. Some chest infections are mild and clear up on their own, but others can be severe and life threatening.

Check if you have a chest infection

Chest infections often follow colds or flu.

The main symptoms are:

a chesty cough – you may cough up green or yellow mucus
wheezing and shortness of breath
chest pain or discomfort
a high temperature
a headache
aching muscles
tiredness

These symptoms can be unpleasant, but they usually get better on their own in about 7 to 10 days.

The cough and mucus can last up to 3 weeks.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if you or someone has any of these:

Signs of a heart attack (chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest)
Signs of a stroke (face dropping on one side, cannot hold both arms up, difficulty speaking)
Sudden confusion or delirium (unsure of own name or age)
Suicide attempt (by taking something or self-harming)
Severe difficulty breathing (not being able to get words out, choking or gasping)
A serious accident, or severe injuries burns or scalds
Heavy bleeding (spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle)
Severe injuries (after a serious accident or assault)
A seizure or fit (shaking, jerking, or unconscious & can’t be woken up)
Sudden, rapid swelling (of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue)

How to prevent chest infections

How to avoid spreading chest infections

To avoid passing a chest infection on to others:

cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
wash your hands regularly
throw away used tissues immediately

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.

How to avoid getting a chest infection

If you keep getting chest infections or you’re at risk of getting one (for example, because you’re over 65 or have a serious long-term health condition):