Yes, it’s a bit of a mystery how these infections are classified. All the family have this cough, and mine is a bit worse now because of my pneumonia last year (I seem to be a bit more susceptible to secondary infections as a result). I hate taking antibiotics as the ones last year gave me very bad vertigo, these ones are making me nauseous… Oh well!

I never can figure out that viral v. bacterial infection. It seems to me that if you have a chest infection for less than 10 days the doctor will say it is viral and if it goes on for more than 10 days the doctor will give in and pronounce it to be bacterial and prescribe antibiotics. In my case it nearly always goes on for more than 10 days so would one be better off getting them straight away. Apparently you can get augmentin over the counter in Spain - I was talking to someone recently you picks up a bunch of it when they are in Spain and self prescribe. Of course I’m not recommending that…always consult your GP…always read the label…terms and conditions apply.