To tell you that you're not exempt from PCR testing even if you've had covid in the last 90 days

[Moolia]

I have spoken to so many people recently who said that they had symptoms but didn't get a PCR as they had covid within the last 90 days so thought they were exempt from testing.

You are only exempt from LFTs, not PCRs.

Government and NHS rules say to get a PCR with new symptoms even if you've had covid in the last 90 days www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/test-results/positive-test-result/

I personally now know 3 people who've had covid twice within 2 months. And with Omicron now dominant it's even more likely that people will get reinfected.

The top 5 symptoms are now: runny nose, headache, fatigue (either mild or severe), sneezing, and sore throat.

www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj.n3103

If you have cold symptoms, don't rely on LFT tests, get a PCR.

They really need to make that more clear when you talk to T&T after a positive. They are the ones who told me not to test again for 90 days

T&T told me the exact same thing only 8 weeks ago - no new pcr test within 90 days of my positive pcr.

I'm part of an ONS survey which says you may test positive for 90 days after.
The issue is if you test positive again but in fact do only have a cold. You could spend do much time isolating unnecessarily.

Or you could go and spread the Omicron variant to hundreds of people...

I had covid a few months ago then symptoms again about 6 weeks later so got another PCR and it was positive. When I spoke to T&T they told me to ignore it and no need to isolate because I was within the 90 days

My first though was that YABU as surely everyone would know, or if they weren't sure then they'd know where to look.

But I've seen a couple of threads recently where it was unfortunately clear that posters didn't know. So the more people are talking about the currently accurate info, the better

@MissSkate

T&T told me the exact same thing only 8 weeks ago - no new pcr test within 90 days of my positive pcr.

But what if you're going on holiday and have to do a test in order to fly? Have I interpreted this thread correctly? If you catch covid, then tests can show as positive for three months afterwards??

That's interesting OP.

It's a different situation in Ireland: www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/symptoms/recovering/#immunity-after-covid-19-infection

If you test positive for Covid, you do not require a test for 9 months after, regardless of symptoms.

We're generally more conservative in our approach to Covid than the UK, so interesting to see the difference here

Wow, that's a crazy situation in Ireland, especially with Omicron.

As I said, I know quite a few people now who had covid, tested negative on LFT by the end of isolation, then got new symptoms within 6-8 and positive LFT and PCR. This shows its a new infection not remnants of the old one.

T and T were very clear to us, no testing of any kind within 90 days unless you are feeling really ill or advised to by a doctor.

Test and trace definitely tell you not to PCR test again for 90 days

@EarringsandLipstick

That's interesting OP.

It's a different situation in Ireland: www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/symptoms/recovering/#immunity-after-covid-19-infection

If you test positive for Covid, you do not require a test for 9 months after, regardless of symptoms.

We're generally more conservative in our approach to Covid than the UK, so interesting to see the difference here

It says in the link that you need to retest within that 9 month period if you get symptoms

Immunity after COVID-19 infection
You are likely to be immune (protected) for at least 9 months after a COVID-19 infection.
During the 9 months you:
• are unlikely to become infected with COVID-19 again
• will not need to be retested unless you develop symptoms of COVID-19
• will not need to restrict your movements (stay at home) if you are a close contact of someone else who has COVID-19

Out of interest @Moolia how were the people you now who had it twice within 2 months able to be sure it wa two separate infections

Wow, that's a crazy situation in Ireland, especially with Omicron.

I disagree. I'm happy to go with the evidence on this, which the link I provided supplies.

I also out of interest visited the NHS Covid site & the PCR booking site - my goodness how confusing, in terms of approach and information.

For example, the website says not to get a PCR test if you've tested positive within 90 days but has the caveat unless you have new symptoms presumably meaning 'new' symptoms to the standard 3 they list on their guidance page. That's very unclear.

www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

In Ireland, we never re-opened in the way UK did, limitations continued in work & public life generally, mask-wearing is ubiquitous & social distancing practised. There's been limits on household interactions for the past month.

It's tough and case numbers are high but we are constantly emphasising the preventative measures and these are having an effect.

Because they had covid symptoms and tested positive on LFT and PCR. After isolation they tested repeatedly negative on LFT. 6 weeks later they have new covid symptoms and LFT and PCR are positive.

It sounds like T&T are giving out the wrong advice then and are going against NHS and government guidance. No wonder rates are skyrocketing if people are wrongly being told not to test again for 90 days.

@Moolia

Wow, that's a crazy situation in Ireland, especially with Omicron.

As I said, I know quite a few people now who had covid, tested negative on LFT by the end of isolation, then got new symptoms within 6-8 and positive LFT and PCR. This shows its a new infection not remnants of the old one.

I was slow typing with my question, I see you've answered but I dont think that's necessarily correct is it?

From all I've read it seems statistically unlikely that you would know 2 outliers for re-infection.

@HalfShrunkMoreToGo

I missed that! That's curious - when you go to book your PCR test, they ask first if you've tested positive in the last 9 months.

Maybe they just ask & you can still go on to book.

I must read my own links more closely in future!

Sorry I don't follow what you mean?

That was to @AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair

[quote EarringsandLipstick]@HalfShrunkMoreToGo

I missed that! That's curious - when you go to book your PCR test, they ask first if you've tested positive in the last 9 months.

Maybe they just ask & you can still go on to book.

I must read my own links more closely in future! [/quote]
Yes they ask if you've tested positive within the last 3 months on the English website too but it doesn't stop you getting a test they're just collecting the information.

They really need to make the messaging clearer.

@EarringsandLipstick out of curiosity I clicked on the links to book a PCR and yes it asks if you have had a positive in the last 9 months but then still let's you book through even if you say Yes.

And actually, the HSE is being confusing here as it says

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you can book a free PCR test online.
If you had a positive PCR test in the last 9 months, you do not need another test

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/testing/get-tested/

So not terribly clear communication, despite my last smug post!

Yes they ask if you've tested positive within the last 3 months on the English website too but it doesn't stop you getting a test they're just collecting the information.

Ah! That makes sense.

I was also told the exact opposite of this by test and trace. I was told to do a lateral flow test and NOT a Pcr within the 90 days. But I do think catching it twice is more common than the statistics show as people are probably assuming it 'can't be' covid and not testing if they have symptoms after having covid previously.