Loading condition information
Conditions
ChestInfection
Infection of the lungs or airways (bronchitis or pneumonia) causing persistent cough, mucus production, and difficulty breathing. Usually follows a cold or flu.
Get assessed
From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofChestInfection
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Persistent cough (often producing mucus)
Chest pain or tightness when coughing
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Fever and sweating
Fatigue and feeling generally unwell
Body aches
Loss of appetite
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates for work or study absence
- Assessment of symptom severity
- Advice on managing cough and recovery
- Guidance on when antibiotics may be needed
What needs in-person care
- Chest X-rays or lung function tests
- Treatment for pneumonia (may need in-person assessment)
- Ongoing management of chronic lung conditions
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- 2Coughing up blood-tinged mucus
- 3High fever (over 38.5°C) for more than 3 days
- 4Shortness of breath at rest
- 5You need a medical certificate for work
Seek emergency care if
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Coughing up significant amounts of blood
- Chest pain at rest (not just when coughing)
- Confusion or drowsiness
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonChestInfection
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Chest infections encompass both acute bronchitis (the most common) and pneumonia. The vast majority of chest infections in otherwise healthy adults are acute bronchitis - a viral infection causing a persistent cough (often producing mucus), chest tightness, and mild fever. It does NOT usually need antibiotics. Antibiotics are the most over-prescribed treatment for chest infections in Australia. The cough from bronchitis commonly persists for 2-3 weeks, which causes many patients to seek antibiotics 'because it's not getting better.' This duration is normal. What I assess via telehealth is whether features suggest pneumonia rather than bronchitis: high fever, rapid breathing, feeling significantly unwell, pleuritic chest pain (sharp pain on breathing in), and confusion - particularly in the elderly. These need in-person assessment and possibly a chest X-ray. Smokers and people with underlying lung disease also warrant closer assessment.
Treatment
TreatingChestInfection
Most chest infections (acute bronchitis) are viral and do not require antibiotics. Up to 70% of antibiotic prescriptions for bronchitis are clinically unnecessary. Antibiotics are reserved for suspected pneumonia or high-risk patients (elderly, immunocompromised, chronic lung disease). The cough from bronchitis commonly persists for 2-3 weeks -- this is normal and not a reason for antibiotics.
Amoxicillin
Amoxil, Alphamox
Class:Penicillin antibiotic
Typical dose:500mg three times daily for 5 days (community-acquired pneumonia)
PBS:PBS listed for community-acquired pneumonia
- First-line antibiotic for mild community-acquired pneumonia
- NOT indicated for acute bronchitis (which is usually viral)
- Doctor assessment needed to distinguish pneumonia from bronchitis
- Complete the full course even if feeling better
Doxycycline
Doryx, Doxylin
Class:Tetracycline antibiotic
Typical dose:200mg on day 1, then 100mg daily for 5 days
PBS:PBS listed for lower respiratory tract infections
- Alternative first-line for atypical pneumonia (Mycoplasma, Legionella)
- Good option for penicillin-allergic patients
- Must be taken upright with a full glass of water (risk of oesophageal irritation)
- Avoid sun exposure - increases photosensitivity
Salbutamol
Ventolin, Asmol
Class:Short-acting beta-2 agonist (bronchodilator)
Typical dose:2-4 puffs via spacer as needed for wheeze/breathlessness
PBS:PBS listed for reversible airway obstruction
- Relieves wheeze and chest tightness associated with chest infections
- Use with a spacer device for best medication delivery
- Short-term use during the infection - not for long-term management
- Seek urgent care if needing more than every 4 hours
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines - Antibiotic, 2024. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Referral to a respiratory physician is recommended for recurrent chest infections (3+ per year), suspected underlying lung disease (COPD, bronchiectasis), chest infections not responding to standard antibiotic therapy, or chronic cough persisting beyond 8 weeks.
Chest Infection in Australia
Acute bronchitis is one of the most common respiratory conditions seen in Australian general practice
Community-acquired pneumonia results in approximately 77,000 hospitalisations per year in Australia
Up to 70% of antibiotic prescriptions for acute bronchitis are clinically unnecessary (NPS MedicineWise)
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all Australians aged 65+ and those with chronic conditions
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Acute bronchitis: the acute illness settles in 1-2 weeks, but the cough commonly persists for 2-3 weeks (this is normal). Pneumonia: 1-3 weeks for mild cases treated at home, longer for severe cases. Fatigue after pneumonia can last 4-6 weeks.
Return to work
For bronchitis: most people can work after the first 3-5 days once the worst symptoms pass, though the cough may continue. For pneumonia: typically 1-2 weeks off, sometimes longer. Do not rush back - fatigue after pneumonia is real and significant.
When to reassess
See a doctor urgently if you develop difficulty breathing at rest, chest pain, coughing up blood, high fever that is not responding to paracetamol, or confusion. If a productive cough persists beyond 3 weeks without improvement, further investigation may be needed.
Self-Care
ManagingChestInfectionathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Stay well hydrated - warm fluids (tea, broth) help loosen chest mucus and soothe coughing
Use a humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to ease breathing difficulty
Paracetamol for fever and body aches - ibuprofen is also effective
Rest upright or with extra pillows - lying flat can worsen coughing and chest congestion
Honey (a tablespoon in warm water) is genuinely effective for cough relief - evidence shows it outperforms some cough syrups
Do not smoke during recovery - smoking dramatically slows healing and increases the risk of complications
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutChestInfection
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. Chest infections often need 1-2 weeks recovery. Our doctors can provide certificates for the time you need off work.
No. Most bronchitis is viral and antibiotics won't help. If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotics may be recommended.
Most chest infections improve within 7-10 days, but the cough can linger for 3-4 weeks. See a doctor if symptoms aren't improving after a week.
The infection itself is often viral and contagious. Stay home while you have a fever and cover coughs. Most people aren't contagious after a few days.
Ready to get help with Chest Infection?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.