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Covid on my birthday

50 replies

Toomanyusernames123 · 26/05/2025 08:48

Feeling a bit sorry for myself - it’s my birthday today and I have been feeling a bit under the weather this week. I took a Covid test last night and it’s positive. I’m gutted. A family member is hosting a joint birthday BBQ for us today, as it was their birthday this weekend too. All my family are going but I obviously feel I can’t go now… What can I do to make today a bit special instead? I have two little ones but my husband is home to help with them

OP posts:
Deliciouscoffee · 26/05/2025 09:19

Presumably whatever you’re going to do that’s nice has got to be strictly at home?

LoveTheLake525 · 26/05/2025 09:21

PorgyandBess · 26/05/2025 08:49

Why can’t you go?

Because she's not a dick!

B1indEye · 26/05/2025 09:23

Toomanyusernames123 · 26/05/2025 09:12

Well I had assumed people weren’t going to work with Covid but I don’t know 🤷🏼‍♀️ not sure why it really matters. I thought it was the decent thing not to go and was asking for ideas of nice things to do instead…

My RL experience is that no one tests and whether they go to work depends on how they feel. Maybe my world is the outlier but I don't think so as it's not a topic of conversation anywhere that I encounter

I haven't seen tests in the shops for ages now, do you have to buy them online?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

londongirl12 · 26/05/2025 09:24

Take the Covid out of it. With your current symptoms, do you feel well enough to go?

LoveTheLake525 · 26/05/2025 09:26

PorgyandBess · 26/05/2025 08:59

Meh. I’d take a couple of paracetamol and crack on. I don’t know a single person in rl that tests for or even thinks of, Covid.

You’ve got a cold. If you feel too unwell to go out, stay home. Otherwise, don’t let it spoil your day.

She hasn't got a cold, she's got Covid.

Some of us have to still think about Covid,

Should we just stay at home for the rest of our lives? Who is going to pay our bills?

it wasn't all over 5 years ago. It was just starting.

Flipslop · 26/05/2025 09:29

I’d be pissed if someone turned up to a family gathering knowing they had Covid and didn’t tell anyone if I’m honest BUT if they did tell me I’d just ask they keep their distance and keep their hands clean is all. I’d love to say I’m so laid back it wouldn’t bother me 😂 but if would, I’m a single parent with a full time job and don’t have time to be ill, I’m sure most are in similar situations

MolkosTeenageAngst · 26/05/2025 09:29

Toomanyusernames123 · 26/05/2025 09:12

Well I had assumed people weren’t going to work with Covid but I don’t know 🤷🏼‍♀️ not sure why it really matters. I thought it was the decent thing not to go and was asking for ideas of nice things to do instead…

The policy at our workplace is if you feel well enough to crack on and come to work you should crack on and come to work regardless of whether you have tested positive for Covid. If you feel too unwell to work you should stay off until you feel well enough to come in. You don’t have to be free of symptoms so long as you feel okay to be in, the only exception being a high temperature.

If you feel well enough to socialise it’s fine to socialise although I probably wouldn’t shout about the fact you have Covid. In future I wouldn’t bother testing either, it’s not necessary anymore.

LoveTheLake525 · 26/05/2025 09:31

Toomanyusernames123 · 26/05/2025 09:04

As in, I don’t know what people are doing at work / school when they have Covid. Last time I was at work was during the times when you had to isolate! But I’m a bit out of the loop now admittedly

It's no less deadly for some of us. It could never the end of your Grandad if he gets it. It's a BBQ, is it really worth it?

Happy Birthday by the way.! Could DH make you a nice Birthday dinner or order something in??

Deliciouscoffee · 26/05/2025 09:32

Are you letting anyone you’ve come in contact with over past week know op?

Christmas202 · 26/05/2025 09:34

Honestly op, I’ve had 16 covid infections, 12 of which have been in the last 14 months. My child and I are vulnerable and I’ve been very ill for the last five years. Now dependent on a walking frame. The first Covid ruined me. I honestly appreciate your descisency in still testing. Mums net would have a canary to know that if I test positive I self isolate so as to not Infect anyone. There’s no regard for the vulnerable people in society anymore. So op thank you for your considerations, have a fab takeaway in front of the tv. I hope you feel better soon.

LoveTheLake525 · 26/05/2025 09:36

B1indEye · 26/05/2025 09:23

My RL experience is that no one tests and whether they go to work depends on how they feel. Maybe my world is the outlier but I don't think so as it's not a topic of conversation anywhere that I encounter

I haven't seen tests in the shops for ages now, do you have to buy them online?

You can still buy them In the chemist, but I buy them online

awaynboilyurheid · 26/05/2025 09:39

Agree I’ve just got Covid caught coming back from holiday and feel awful I won’t go near anyone especially my vulnerable elderly mum even though I’ve so much to do this week but it can still kill elderly people.
Only on mumsnet is it ok to go about spreading it for sake of a BBQ well done not going, sorry it’s your birthday hope you can have another pretend birthday day once you feel better

LoveTheLake525 · 26/05/2025 09:43

MolkosTeenageAngst · 26/05/2025 09:29

The policy at our workplace is if you feel well enough to crack on and come to work you should crack on and come to work regardless of whether you have tested positive for Covid. If you feel too unwell to work you should stay off until you feel well enough to come in. You don’t have to be free of symptoms so long as you feel okay to be in, the only exception being a high temperature.

If you feel well enough to socialise it’s fine to socialise although I probably wouldn’t shout about the fact you have Covid. In future I wouldn’t bother testing either, it’s not necessary anymore.

🙄 what you'd work says, doesn't make it any less of a problem for people who are in serious trouble if they get Covid ! Testing is still necessary for many to get the earliest treatment possible. Therefore other people behaving responsibly is appreciated.

socialising if you have or suspect you have Covid (or anything you can pass on) is VERY selfish.

MagicalMystical · 26/05/2025 09:43

I‘ve got covid too, @Toomanyusernames123 . Lots of us are still testing and trying to avoid people where possible as it is still the community-minded thing to do.

The NHS says to try to stay home if you can:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-symptoms-and-what-to-do/

The government website says no legal restrictions but try to stay at home: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

You’re not being ridiculous for testing and acting accordingly, the culture around covid is really confusing these days (I think it always was actually) as it’s business as usual in schools and most workplaces yet on the other hand, the NHS website and gov website say try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.

I realise the ‘why are you even testing?’ was a derail from your intention in your post and here I am perpetuating it, but just wanted you to know I had the same situation when I was first ill. It’s hard to get your head around because it’s still a cultural hot potato. To test or not to test?

As I said, I’m still testing as it remains the community-minded thing to do.

I was offered a free vaccination at my workplace a few months ago and despite that, this bout has been really bad and also persistent. I’m 3 weeks in now and still not there yet. So I hope you get off lightly - we all respond differently so I hope your body gets rid of it without too much fuss.

As for what to do instead - you have some options. Since you seem to feel ‘ok’ ish, you could ask your family how they feel about you coming. If they are not fussed, like a lot of people on the thread here, then if you feel up to it you can go. Or you can do any number of alternate things, depending what you feel like eg games or film with the kids, bubbly bath, nice food, music.

Happy Birthday 🎊 to you. Take it easy. Xx

MatildaMovesMountains · 26/05/2025 09:45

Toomanyusernames123 · 26/05/2025 09:01

Interesting the consensus seems to be that it’s ok to go. I’ve been a SAHM (kids not yet school age) for the last few years so a bit out of the loop with what everyone is doing now!

Do you not have access to people from the outside world? 😅

MatildaMovesMountains · 26/05/2025 09:46

I recently binned my remaining out of date covid test kits. Good riddance! I think testing is really weird at this point.

RabbitsRock · 26/05/2025 09:47

Happy Birthday OP - sorry you have Covid. I would have a spa day at home. Really pamper yourself. If you have an appetite, maybe ask your DH to pick up some of your favourite things to eat. Do you have a cake? And perhaps have a BBQ of your own. If you drink, you could have sparkling wine or champagne. Hope you’re completely recovered soon 💐💐💐

LlynTegid · 26/05/2025 09:47

Happy birthday. Celebrate it next weekend or the weekend after.

MatildaMovesMountains · 26/05/2025 09:49

This reply has been deleted

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MolkosTeenageAngst · 26/05/2025 09:54

LoveTheLake525 · 26/05/2025 09:43

🙄 what you'd work says, doesn't make it any less of a problem for people who are in serious trouble if they get Covid ! Testing is still necessary for many to get the earliest treatment possible. Therefore other people behaving responsibly is appreciated.

socialising if you have or suspect you have Covid (or anything you can pass on) is VERY selfish.

Well OP said she assumed people didn’t go to work if they had Covid, I’m saying they do.

Personally I think testing for Covid is unnecessary (unless in a medical setting where diagnosis is required) because even if it’s not Covid, it’s still something. If somebody has symptoms and it’s not Covid it could still be flu, RSV or any number of other viruses which can be harmful to others. If somebody tests for Covid and it’s negative it gives a false sense of security with regards to whether they’re likely to pose a risk to others. How many people who order Covid tests online and test every time they’re unwell are also buying flu tests? Why is Covid the only virus they’re worried about passing on? It’s certainly not the only deadly one and most people vulnerable to Covid will be vulnerable to flu and other viruses too.

If you feel unwell and have symptoms which make you think you shouldn’t socialise with others then stay at home. If you feel okay and feel your symptoms aren’t severe enough to warrant staying in, go out. There’s no need to test for one virus only and make the decision based on that, a negative covid test doesn’t mean you don’t have a contagious virus so I don’t see why it needs to factor in.

RedRosesAndGypsophelia · 26/05/2025 11:36

Christmas202 · 26/05/2025 09:34

Honestly op, I’ve had 16 covid infections, 12 of which have been in the last 14 months. My child and I are vulnerable and I’ve been very ill for the last five years. Now dependent on a walking frame. The first Covid ruined me. I honestly appreciate your descisency in still testing. Mums net would have a canary to know that if I test positive I self isolate so as to not Infect anyone. There’s no regard for the vulnerable people in society anymore. So op thank you for your considerations, have a fab takeaway in front of the tv. I hope you feel better soon.

It's not about society disregarding the vulnerable, it's about most people keeping a roof over their head and food in their children's bellies.
If I stayed off work every time I had cold/covid symptoms (shockingly similar to hay-fever in a lot of cases!) I would have defaulted on my mortgage multiple times and my family would now probably be homeless.
It is interesting that in previous flu seasons the vulnerable didn't rise up and demand everyone with a sniffle stay home, somehow covid gets people frothing and demanding people put their lives on hold just in case they come into contact with someone vulnerable.

Pickley981 · 26/05/2025 18:08

Christmas202 · 26/05/2025 09:34

Honestly op, I’ve had 16 covid infections, 12 of which have been in the last 14 months. My child and I are vulnerable and I’ve been very ill for the last five years. Now dependent on a walking frame. The first Covid ruined me. I honestly appreciate your descisency in still testing. Mums net would have a canary to know that if I test positive I self isolate so as to not Infect anyone. There’s no regard for the vulnerable people in society anymore. So op thank you for your considerations, have a fab takeaway in front of the tv. I hope you feel better soon.

You’ve had Covid 12x in the past 14 months?

I think you might not be telling the truth there @Christmas202

Christmas202 · 26/05/2025 19:43

Pickley981 · 26/05/2025 18:08

You’ve had Covid 12x in the past 14 months?

I think you might not be telling the truth there @Christmas202

Edited

Not that I owe you or anybody an explanation but yes I’ve literally had it continuously from last march i also got hit with the flu. My immune system doesnt work correctly. My body can’t fight infections. Just be glad you’ve no idea what it’s like to be ill for 14 months straight.

Poppy61 · 26/05/2025 19:47

It's not OK to go. You are right not to be selfish and possibly infect a vulnerable person.

Pickley981 · 26/05/2025 19:49

Christmas202 · 26/05/2025 19:43

Not that I owe you or anybody an explanation but yes I’ve literally had it continuously from last march i also got hit with the flu. My immune system doesnt work correctly. My body can’t fight infections. Just be glad you’ve no idea what it’s like to be ill for 14 months straight.

So you’ve had it “continuously”

not “12x”

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