How do I treat a chest infection and will I need antibiotics?

IN the winter months, chest infections are common and most of them are mild and not too serious.

Today it was revealed that boxer Tommy Fury had pulled out of his fight with Jake Paul due to a bacterial chest infection and a broken rib.

The 22-year-old today explained: "I am absolutely heartbroken that I have been forced to withdraw from my fight with Jake Paul due to a bacterial chest infection and broken rib.

"The beginning of my camp was going so incredibly and I never expected anything to come in my way from a victory on December 18.

"I can't express now disappointed I am and I really do hope we can get this fight rescheduled in the new year. I want this fight to happen more than anything."

But how to you treat a chest infection and do you need antibiotics?

Will a chest infection go away on its own?

Yes, most chest infections aren't too serious - and will get better on their own.

If you're recovering at home, is to treat a chest infection by...

• Resting
• Drinking lots of water to loosen the mucus in your lungs
• Taking painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen
• Drinking warm water and lemon
• Raising your head with extra pillows when you sleep, to make breathing easier
• Using an air humidifier or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water to ease your cough (not suitable for kids)
• Stopping smoking

The health service doesn't recommend taking cough medicine.

Your pharmacist can suggest decongestant treatments to help loosen any mucus in your lungs.

Most mild chest infections last between seven and 10 days - although the cough and mucus can last up to three weeks.

Complications can arise in elderly people - with comedian Ken Dodd taken to hospital in January 2018 with a severe chest infection after being struck by flu.

Are chest infections contagious?

Yes they are. Infections are normally spread by an infected person coughing or sneezing.

The germs can also spread if you cough/sneeze into your hand - either by being passed onto a surface, or transferred by shaking someone's hand.

Will I need antibiotics to treat my chest infection?

Antibiotics aren't recommended in most cases, because they only work if the infection is caused by bacteria, and most chest infections are viral.

Your GP will usually only provide antibiotics if they think you have pneumonia, or if you're at risk of complications like fluid building up around the lungs.

If you are prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial chest infection, make sure you finish the full course.

What are the risks during pregnancy?

Pregnancy lowers your immune system, meaning expectant mums are more at risk of a serious chest infection.

If you are pregnant and think you have a chest infection, you should make an appointment with your GP.

Pregnant women, and some other high risk groups, should have the flu jab to reduce their risk.