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Original poster

Would you get a Covid test with these symptoms?

38 replies

Bookridden · 22/01/2021 22:16

Runny nose, cold sore, mild headache over the last 6 hours. Feel tired but ok. No loss of appetite, no cough or temp, no loss of smell or taste. Would you test in these circumstances?

OP posts:
SnowFields · 22/01/2021 22:18

No because it sounds more like a normal cold. However, lots of places are doing testing sites where you don’t need symptoms and if there is one near you, then you could visit.

If you genuinely think there is more to it than a cold, then for your peace of mind you could do. A runny nose isn’t typical of covid though.

redfairy · 22/01/2021 22:20

No. I'd go for an asymptomatic test though

Original poster
Bookridden · 22/01/2021 22:25

Ok, thanks. I don't know how to get an asymptomatic test. I feel ok, and I've no reason to suspect covid, I'm just not sure how careful to be. NHS site says only test if cough, fever or loss of senses, so I'll carry on as normal unless I develop one of these.

OP posts:

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Covid-19 General health
Throwaway99 · 22/01/2021 22:26

I would. Don't go to an asymptomatic test site if you think you have symptoms.

EugenesAxe · 22/01/2021 22:26

I probably wouldn't to be honest.

SmartyPants0 · 22/01/2021 22:28

Yes... I had a bunged up feeling in my nose and tested because I was in close contact with someone who tested positive. I was positive and lost my sene of taste on day 8, that was my only symptom and I would not have tested had I not know about a fried testing positive

frick · 22/01/2021 22:28

A week ago I would have said no. However, myself, my DH and DS all tested positive last Sunday. The only symptoms we started with were a mild cold, runny nose. Started feeling more unwell including a banging headache, so got tested. The day I got the results back, I lost sense of taste and smell - but no one else in my household did, and I was the only one with a temp. Since, I’ve been reading that a lot of countries include mild cold and runny nose as a symptom/reason to get tested. I think it’s worth checking. Hope you are all ok, though.

SaigonSaigon · 22/01/2021 22:31

I would. Symptoms you describe are similar in a number of people I know who then tested positive. I don't think you can be too careful

StacySoloman · 22/01/2021 22:33

Do you have the Zoe app? I put runny nose and sneezing symptoms in yesterday and it asked me to test.

Original poster
Bookridden · 22/01/2021 22:36

I don't think I CAN get an NHS test as I don't have any of the symptoms mentioned.

OP posts:
Icequeen01 · 22/01/2021 22:39

Yes you can. I'm afraid you have to lie and say you have one of the 3 symptoms. No one checks. I did this after having two negative lateral flow tests but knew I had been in close contact with someone who had tested positive. I had no symptoms at the time. I tested positive on the PCR test.

starrynight19 · 22/01/2021 22:40

A head cold was my first symptom.
You just say you have a symptom when booking a test.
Ironically when you test positive this symptom is there when you have to check the symptoms you currently have.

letsmakethishappen · 22/01/2021 22:41

I would

Zogstart · 22/01/2021 22:45

I would. I tested positive with cold symptoms. Didn’t have any of the 3 main symptoms. So glad now I didn’t go and queue for the mass testing.

pinkcattydude · 22/01/2021 22:47

If you start logging your symptoms on the Covid 19 app with those symptoms they will probably invite you in for a test I got one and only had headache and runny nose. All clear but it was good to get tested

Ladyface · 22/01/2021 22:48

I think with the virus as fast spreading as it is currently it would be worth taking a test.

idontlikealdi · 22/01/2021 22:51

Go for an asymptomatic test if they have them in your area or pay for a private one if funds allow,

JacktomyDaniel · 22/01/2021 22:52

I've just been tonight. Had to lie and tick temperature. No temp but on day 3 of a banging right sided headache, tummy cramps and a slight runny nose. Could be nothing but it's making me feel rubbish enough to suspect. I need to be at work in a school on Monday so had to go today. Also know of an entire extended family who tested positive with very mild symptoms.

SpeckledyHen · 22/01/2021 22:53

I would.
I have a friend who thought she had a cold and tested positive 16 days ago ahead of a medical procedure. She had another test yesterday again ahead of the rescheduled procedure and is still positive.
Her husband also had the ‘cold’ and was positive .
No other symptoms other than being more tired than usual.

tsmainsqueeze · 22/01/2021 22:54

@Bookridden

I don't think I CAN get an NHS test as I don't have any of the symptoms mentioned.
I had none of the listed symptoms ,just felt slightly unwell , lots of cases at work so lied on the online form to get test -POSITIVE !
Dottydoodoo · 22/01/2021 22:55

Before I would have said no it sounds like just a cold. However I woke up on Wednesday morning feeling blocked up, got a positive on my lateral flow yesterday and got my positive pcr result back this morning. I’ve only just lost my sense of smell tonight.

I hope that whatever it is you feel better from it soon.

ThorsMistress · 22/01/2021 22:58

My auntie and cousin tested positive and the only symptoms they had was a bad headache!

I would go just to be sure

nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut · 22/01/2021 22:58

I'd probably isolate if possible and if not I'd lie and say I'd had a temperature to get a test. I've read so many posts of people who tested positive with those symptoms.

PregnantGotCovid · 22/01/2021 22:59

Get a test. I got a positive test with very mild cold symptoms last week (this was a lateral flow test for work). I don't think you have a lie to get a test - just say you don't have any of the main symptoms.

greenlynx · 22/01/2021 22:59

Do you work from home or go to your workplace? Have you been in contact with anyone at all? Is this a normal for you to have a cold like this?
If you are working from home, not seen anyone for weeks and usually have lots of similar colds - I would wait a day or 2 before booking a test.