Do you still test for covid?

[RosieChardonnay]

Had bad cold symptoms this week so did a covid test and it was positive. Was due to go to a family party last night but did not go due to testing positive. I tested positive yesterday. There would be a mix of people there of all ages. Nobody very vulnerable. My family have made me feel a bit silly saying nobody tests anymore and I should have gone. Am I being a bit silly to test? I stayed away for their benefit ( although I wasn't crazy disappointed to miss it!!).

Thank you for testing and avoiding people when positive.

I do if I start with cold symptoms because I care for my 88 year old mum and it would make her very ill or worse. I’m happy to spend £1.50 on a test and always keep a couple in the cupboard along with plasters, antiseptic wipes and Laxido 😀

Yes, I did a couple of weeks ago. I was due to see my elderly parents. I was positive. Worked from home for a few days although didn't feel too awful after a couple of days (not like the first time).

Yes. I've just had it so I stayed away from everyone.

My lovely uncle died of covid last year.

I first developed symptoms almost two weeks ago and although I'm a lot better this bout has been worse than ever before. So test and avoid vulnerable people.

Yes, because I need anti vitals if I test positive.
I'm disabled enough already without adding long covid to the mix

No, I don't test and don't know anyone who does still.

I still test and so do most of my friends.

We don't have to test for work and officially we should still go in if we're well enough but in reality we all test and WFH if well enough. No-one knowingly comes in with Covid.

I know all the arguments about living with it etc but to me it's incredibly selfish and if there's a test why wouldn't you use it. I'd test for flu and other infections if easily available too.

I still test. It's a nasty virus that has caused and continues to cause lots of damage to people irrespective of age and health status. Public health and education on this virus are sorely lacking which is a real shame.

Yes, because I work with people who have vulnerable relatives. We get tests free through work and I'm fortunate enough to have decent sick pay and am able to work from home whenever I need to.
I understand a lot of people don't have that though.

You have the luxury of being able to wfh. Not everyone does and not everyone can afford to take time off. It's lazy to just say it's selfish when there's a cost of living crisis.

I bet they wouldn't say that if you gave them all Covid!!

If I suspected I had it then absolutely yes. Partly because of wanting to have that info about my own health and history, in case I develop long covid for example. But also so I can stay away from people.
I think it's a basic courtesy to stay away from others when you're absolutely loaded with cold or any other virus. I would never go to a party loaded with cold that's so selfish and gross!

No - most people I know don't and the ones I know who do are either protecting a vulnerable family member or looking for time off work.

That's good there are some responsible employers I guess.

@Beezknees yes I can WFH but I can't fully do my job that way and have to inconvenience people and cancel appointments so it's not as simple as just WFH.

I absolutely understand there is a cost of living crisis and in my last job I didn't get paid when I was off and feeling very unwell with Covid. An infection that was caught from a colleague.

I tested positive a few months ago, only really tested because I felt like a train had run over me, my throat was in bits, horrendous cough and splitting headache plus so tired. It meant I stayed away from my mum who we have had to stay away from for years if feeling bad. Good to be able to know what you have, if they had easily available tests for other illnesses I’d take them too!

Yes. I've still got tests so always worth finding out.
But when I've had covid I wasn't going anywhere anyway. 3 says in bed both times. Hate it.

*days in bed.

I had all the symptoms a few months ago but tested negative.

I'm pretty sure most people have caught it at work. I caught it twice at work. At the end of it though people will prioritise feeding their own families over work colleagues and I don't blame them a jot for it. I can wfh myself but I'm not so blinkered as to call those who can't selfish when I have no idea of their circumstances.

Yes because I care for a vulnerable , elderly relative. I've had it 3 times now, 1st time left me unable to walk without a walking stick ( very difficult since I can't drive and walk most places) it is not just a cold for some people.

No.

I have only tested when I had the symptoms. That has only happened twice, and I was positive both times.

Yes would test if I felt unwell and so would most people I know. Would also stay at home.

Yes I test. Happy to pay for tests too.
DM has incurable cancer and is immunosupressed. I really wish people didn't have to be dicks to people who test for the sake of those who just need to be a little bit careful about being exposed.