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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think he doesn't need a covid test

40 replies

Vilanelle · 12/07/2021 14:32

My 1 year old is in nursery and constantly catching colds. He has one now and the cough has gone very chesty so I asked to see a gp (went on ask my gp for advice and they made appt to listen to his chest)

She also suggested a covid test. I'm not against testing but do I really need to put him through it (he hates anything near his nose) when it's more than likely a chesty cold.

OP posts:
234Pepperplant · 12/07/2021 14:36

One of three symptoms (cough, temp, taste/smell) = test (pcr not lateral flow) and isolate until results.

More than a year in, why is this very simple instruction still something people do not understand?

fullonflock · 12/07/2021 14:36

The delta variant is apparently presenting as a cold- runny/ blocked nose, sore throat, headache etc. So I think the GP is right to suggest a test.

Spikeyball · 12/07/2021 14:44

It's either test or isolate for a persistent cough.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 12/07/2021 14:45

Yes you could just isolate instead

Looneytune253 · 12/07/2021 14:47

If you want to isolate instead just do that. The test might help to prevent further spread though if it is Covid!

Crowtooyo · 12/07/2021 14:49

You can isolate instead if you want.

Gah. Why don't people get it still!?

BastardMonkfish · 12/07/2021 14:49

Your options are:

1)Test
2) isolate without testing
3) carry on as you are and potentially spread covid

I'd go with 2 because if he's ill he won't want to be out and about anyway and he will be infectious with something, just not with covid.

NautaOcts · 12/07/2021 14:52

Yeah…. Sorry I’m pretty lax by MN standards but I do think he needs a test sorry ☹️

Comefromaway · 12/07/2021 14:55

I'd be very reluctant to test a child that young but then I'd isolate for 10 days.

whatswithtodaytoday · 12/07/2021 15:10

It is rubbish testing little ones, but this is unlikely to be the last time you have to do it. You only need to do their nose. I'd advise taking another adult to help.

Don't nursery need a PCR test back anyway, before he's allowed back in?

ittakes2 · 12/07/2021 15:10

Is there a chance she is suggesting a test so you know what you are dealing with? Order a home delivery test, give it a go if it doesn't work nothing lost.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 12/07/2021 15:10

He needs a test, it'll be over in a second.

whatswithtodaytoday · 12/07/2021 15:11

OP can't isolate for 10 days if she's working, which is presumably why her one year old is in nursery. (Trust me OPO, you do not want to isolate for 10 days with a 1 year old... the first lockdown nearly broke me.)

Jelly45678 · 12/07/2021 15:13

I too really don’t understand what people are not understanding about this. Of course he needs a bloody test. You have absolutely no way of knowing if it’s covid and if your suspicions are wrong, he could infect his entire group at nursery. That’s potentially dozens of families missing work, cancelling events not to mention actually catching covid!

3teens2cats · 12/07/2021 15:15

Absolutely sick of people deciding they 'know it's just a cold' oe 'know it's just a chest infection' or whatever. My kids have covid right now and it presents no different to many other respiratory viruses. You cannot tell without a test so please do one.

trevthecat · 12/07/2021 15:16

Why is this question still being asked! It's been long enough now. We all know the symptoms.

Iggly · 12/07/2021 15:18

Unless you’ve got the ability to spot covid with your eyes alone, then sorry but YABU

CharlotteRose90 · 12/07/2021 15:21

You all need to isolate then. There’s always one that says it’s a cold then it comes back as covid and you have to contact everyone you’ve seen. Don’t be that parent. None of us like tests up our nose or throat. Just get it done or isolate simple as.

mumto2teenagers · 12/07/2021 15:21

YABU - I would have done the covid test before speaking to the GP. Your GP has advised a test so why on earth would you not do one.

pinkcircustop · 12/07/2021 15:23

Yup, YABVU. Nobody likes anything near their nose but you just have to do it.

MrsExpo · 12/07/2021 15:25

My (double vaccinated!) friend is currently isolating at home with a "mild summer cold" which turned out to be Covid. Get the test.

ASpoolofBlueThread · 12/07/2021 15:25

A professional with relevant medical experience told you to get a test. Listen to them rather than anonymous voices which live inside your phone Hmm

Mickarooni · 12/07/2021 15:27

The doctor advised you to get a test.

FartnissEverbeans · 12/07/2021 15:28

I don’t know how many commenters have had PCR tests but I’ve had probably upwards of 30 of them now. They’re very unpleasant and I wouldn’t subject my child to it unless it was a necessity.

Having said that, I’d isolate for a chesty cold and get a PCR test for myself if I started showing symptoms.

Sorry OP, it’s a shite time to have young children. Every little sniffle is an issue

Inthemuckheap · 12/07/2021 15:41

Yes it's unpleasant but better for DC to be uncomfortable for a minute rather than potentially passing on Covid to someone who may not just have a cold and chesty cough.....

Or you all isolate for 10 days.

FFS it's not rocket science!