Zoe app has asked me to get tested- should I?

[Sameold2020]

Hi, I recently downloaded the Zoe covid 19 app. I've ticked no to all of the symptoms asked about, but for 2 days I couldn't stop sneezing and my nose wouldn't stop running. After 2 days nothing at all. It was very strange. I put this on the app. Last night I received an email telling me to get tested for covid 19. Should I? I was thinking yes. Can I take my dc in the car with me if I do go? Home tests seem to be unavailable.

Any thoughts/experiences?

[Tamtam86]

I had the same thing, after reporting no symptoms I had a headache for 2 days and they invited me to book a test so I did. I had DC in the car with me, where I went I could choose to do the test myself or have someone do it so I did it myself. It was very straight forward, they hold signs up to your window with instructions and you phone the person standing next to your car so they can talk you through it over the phone. Results came back within 48 hours (negative)

[ScrapThatThen]

Yes, if convenient - your test result will help the research.

[MrsWombat]

I did this after putting in my hayfever symptoms. It was negative. If you log on at 7pm tonight you might be able to get a home test.

[Sameold2020]

Thanks. That process doesn't sound too bad.

I was thinking I should do it for science.

I don't get hayfever, but I think that's what it must have been.

I'm really anxious but will probably book it.

[PoisoningPigeons]

I've just been invited too! I have been using the app since lockdown started and this weekend had a really hot scratchy sore throat and constant dry cough for a day or so, which I dutifully reported. The next day, I felt pretty much fine apart from some lingering discomfort... and then got the invitation for a test

Having read your thread, I'll go ahead and request a test. It's all useful data for the study, whether it's positive or not.

[usernotfound0000]

I would. I think it helps the research if as many get tested as possible. I was invited yesterday after reproting a sore throat. I have my test this afternoon. Luckily I live 5 minutes from a drive through test centre.

[NervousInYorkshire]

I've been invited too. I'm in the shielding group but only found out two weeks ago. I'm not in a complete sterile bubble since then because of a shared front door & hallway with up to five other people, and deliveries etc. My only ticked symptom box has been skipped meals - my appetite has effed right off. I don't drive, so would have to book a home test.
I am in two minds about it

[Sameold2020]

I managed to get a home test in the end. I thought it was interesting to be invited for a test as I didn't tick yes to any of their questions.

[AmNot]

This app sounds a bit of a mess based on what i've heard on MN.

[Spam88]

In what way does it sound a mess? the only negative thing I've seen on here is about it asking for gender.

It's all useful for helping them to determine which things are common symptoms, how many people get it mildly/asymptomatically I guess!

[AmNot]

A mess because tiny amounts of people are using it (just over 3.5 million in a UK population of over 66 million so 4% being generous).

And the symptoms are so generic. People logging symptoms that they know they normally have due to hayfever or their periods for e.g.

And the researchers themselves have said young, females of higher socio-economic status than the general population are disproportinately represented in users and high-risk groups aren't using it much.

4% of a population with most users being young and not in at-risk groups logging their symptoms isn't a great way to try and monitor CV.

[Alone07]

I got asked (well there is 3 of us using the same app so not sure who) but as the other 2 are children and I thought they won't test children?
I haven't had any symptoms but 2 of my of my children have had a horse voice and a bit of a cough.

[NervousInYorkshire]

"We would like to test you to understand if you have the virus right now. This does not necessarily mean you have COVID-19 as we are also inviting some people we believe do not have the virus."
[Shrug]

[Sameold2020]

Yes in my city I'm sure it said only around 3k users. Shame it's not more widely used, but I do understand that people don't like giving all their information away. I also think a lot of people haven't heard of the app.

[thatcarolebaskinbitch]

Yes I got invited last Tuesday to do one despite reporting no symptoms, luckily I saw the email at 7am so was able to get a home testing kit when they got released at 8am. Result came back on Saturday and as expected was negative but if it helps then that's a good thing.

[Lindy2]

Yes, do go. Part of the reason for being on the app is to help with research and being tested will help. It's probably pollen related or a cold but the test will confirm that.

I got tasted a few weeks ago. It was pretty quick and easy. We had DD in the car with us.

I'm assuming the poster that criticised the app hasn't actually been using it. I find it very clear and easy and the information on there very good. The data and questions constantly update and change accordingly to areas they are researching. The current questions seem to indicate female hormones may offer some protection. Being a member is a good way of getting tested if you need it too.

[Lifeisabeach09]

the only negative thing I've seen on here is about it asking for gender.

People have been complaining about it asking about gender?? Can you elaborate?

I would have thought knowing the gender of the individual is important to research.

[Lindy2]

Tested not tasted! Definitely no licking going on 😂

[Stinkyjellycat]

I was asked to get a test but when I tried, it would let me book it. I gave up eventually.

[Lindy2]

Lifeisabeach09 it asks "what gender were you born with". Only on mumsnet would that question ever cause any issue.

[Sameold2020]

Of course the gender question is an issue. If its to do with science and medicine it absolutely has to know our sex. WTF good is it knowing our social construct?? Especially with a virus that disproportionately affects males. Madness.

[Sameold2020]

@Stinkyjellycat yeah I had to ring the helpline.

[Spam88]

It asks sex as well though.

[Sameold2020]

It didn't ask sex when I booked the test, the app does though.

[Hotchox]

@Lifeisabeach09 Yeah, given that the responses to the 'gender' question is to used to look for genetic markers in men or women, it's a nonsense question and should read: "What sex were you born? / What sex are you?", I am guess the point is trans people would legitimately say they have been the same gender all their lives, and have had surgery so their appearance matches the gender they perceive themselves to be, and therefore answer with the opposite gender to the one the question really needs the answer to. On the other hand I would expect transfolk (like anyone else) to apply some logic and decide to answer in a fashion which is helpful rather than a hindrance to the analysis....