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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Visitors with Covid symptoms

163 replies

BigPyjamas · 12/07/2021 19:35

We have friends visiting for a few days. One of their DTs has come down with a sudden and strong continuous new cough, she's got a sore throat and a sniffly nose but no temp (they haven't checked this but child seems ok to be fair).

They don't seem bothered and are laughing away 'definitely not Corona! Ha ha'

I'm silently horrified that they haven't packed up and gone, that they won't isolate or take a test. They don't believe in testing children, or isolating.

We're totally buggered if one of my kids gets it, from a logistics perspective with plans we have for next few weeks.

AIBU to be cross with their lack of concern? I don't want to make a fuss so am silently seething.

OP posts:
halcyondays · 12/07/2021 20:02

Send them on their way. Your health is more valuable than the “friendship” of people who obviously couldn’t care less about you.

Wombat36 · 12/07/2021 20:05

Friends or family?

Clueless (hopefully not, if they're medically qualified), careless or plain rude?

mediumbrownmug · 12/07/2021 20:06

But OP, you don’t have to argue medical points with them. It’s YOUR home, and you can let them know you’re uncomfortable with the situation and would rather them visit another time instead. Let them know that you understand their position but unfortunately it won’t work for you.

TreaslakeandBack · 12/07/2021 20:06

Could you make the point that it probably isn’t Covid but as it has similar symptoms, one of you catching it will cause problems? Even if they don’t believe in testing, your work/ school etc do, and symptoms will cause a whole lot of hassle.

akwhdhdbaa · 12/07/2021 20:07

@BigPyjamas

I can't just ask them to leave, I mean logically I can but from a friendship perspective, realistically, I just can't.

The kids are all asleep now, apart from the one that's coughing of course.

Of course you can.
TSSDNCOP · 12/07/2021 20:08

I don't understand why you haven't asked them to leave immediately

TSSDNCOP · 12/07/2021 20:10

This reply has been deleted

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LouLou198 · 12/07/2021 20:11

She's a GP??!!
They are being very selfish putting you and your family at risk like this, not to mention the inconvenience it will cause you. Have you been double vaccinated op?

Suzi888 · 12/07/2021 20:22

If you lose income as a result of having to isolate, you can claim a self isolation grant/ payment.

Mummyoflittledragon · 12/07/2021 20:22

Do you have any lateral flow tests? This is your home. Agree to disagree. But you need them to Test or leave.

User5827372728 · 12/07/2021 20:23

I’m shocked everyone’s shocked its a GP!! All my doctor friends are the worst for this kind of thing. None of them ever wait the 48 hours after a vomiting bug/ temp pre covid etc!

StealthPolarBear · 12/07/2021 20:23

Lateral flow tests not appropriate here. They need to get themselves to a testing centre like the rest of us.

Original poster
BigPyjamas · 12/07/2021 20:29

I spoke to my DH, he seems to think I'm over reacting and that if the kids catch the cough then we'll 'deal with it' which basically means I will deal with it and he'll carry on as normal.

I said that if it was us we'd leave immediately but he seemed surprised at this.

They make me feel as if I'm living in a parallel universe.

They were meant to leave tomorrow morning and now staying until dinner time Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
BigPyjamas · 12/07/2021 20:30

They're his friends more than mine.

She really is a GP and he works in pharma.

Sadly this is all very much true. Horrified

OP posts:
TolkiensFallow · 12/07/2021 20:32

I share your horror

DeeCeeCherry · 12/07/2021 20:32

Oh grow a backbone and tell them to go home. Honestly.

Although it's probably too late now anyway.

MouldyPotato · 12/07/2021 20:36

She's a GP Shock

Thunderbolted · 12/07/2021 20:36

The most anti vax person I know is a GP. He did eventually get vaccinated (like a few weeks ago) because he works with elderly people but thinks only the properly old/vulnerable should get vaccinated. He's not socially distanced at all (friends round through all lockdowns). Blows my mind.

littlefireseverywhere · 12/07/2021 20:39

You need to be a bit firmer & ask them to get a PCR or LF test for their child. Or leave. If they were good friends they’d get it!

EleanorOlephantisjustfine · 12/07/2021 20:39

@Pigeonorcoot

She's a GP - Jesus Shock Sad

Yeah, I'd kick them out tbh (and consider reporting her to her practice if she'll be going in to work and spreading it about there)

My thoughts exactly.

OP that’s disgraceful. These are Covid symptoms. How can your friend possibly know it’s not Covid. I had Covid last year and was very poorly for weeks. The only symptom I had was a scratchy throat. I didn’t even have the cough.

I can’t believe your friend is being so irresponsible.

MrsSkylerWhite · 12/07/2021 20:41

Tell them to leave.

Teacupsandtoast · 12/07/2021 20:43

DT was infectious before the cough started - you've all been exposed. As awful as it sounds, you can't force them to test - you can lateral flow test yourselves regularly after they leave, or wait till symptoms appear for a pcr. You may not get it even being in the same house - that seems to be quite common at the moment as I suspect many of us have had it asymptomatically now

Wombat36 · 12/07/2021 20:50

I think I would now leave.

I'd certainly be not happy with my DH, his friends or the situation. If your kids get ill, make sure he looks after them, even if it sounds like he normally wouldn't. Bet my ass if he gets ill, he'll be wanting waiting on hand and foot.

Summerfun54321 · 12/07/2021 20:59

Head out for the day yourself tomorrow, don’t be around them. You’ve expressed your wishes to them and your DH and he can deal with any fall out or isolating that needs to happen because of it. I’d be so pissed off there’s no way I could play the dutiful host after that.

RumblyMumbly · 12/07/2021 22:44

@BigPyjamas it's unfortunate of course but as you've been in contact with them if their child did test positive your family will need to isolate as close contacts so the horse has bolted on that one? I can understand that you would rather not actually contract Covid though. Try and ventilate as much as possible and get outdoors.

As cases rises and people see more of each other there is going to be so much more of this type of scenario.