To feel paranoid about having a cough?

[chocolatesaltyballs22]

Started with it yesterday, also feeling snotty but no 'traditional' covid symptoms, Have done two lateral flow tests, both negative Will do another one today when I've been to the pharmacy for more. But I feel like I can't go out anywhere because I'm paranoid about having a cough! I'm pretty certain it's not covid. Stepsons are due to come for 3 nights later and I don't want to pass it to them and have them sent home from school/uni. Do you keep your distance from people (including your own family) if you just have a cold/cough these days?

I have an absolutely stinking head cold, chesty cough, sore throat etc. Worse cold I've had in years - caught it off youngest DD, she got it the first week back at school - we both had negative tests but I am also very embarrassed about being out and about (have to push on, no one else to do school runs etc.) what can you do though

Exactly @Stretchandsnap - feel paranoid being around people if you're coughing! Not that I'll be going anywhere now until my test result comes through.

I was the same. Had a PCR yesterday and it's come back negative (as I thought). It's made me feel like I can go out and about if I need to though as at least I know I've done the responsible thing,

Well if you don't have Covid and do have to be out and about whilst you are coughing, be considerate.

Cough into your arm, never just out into the open or in people's faces.
Catch sneezes in a tissue and bin asap.
Wash your hands regularly.
Wear a mask indoors to avoid spreading your germs to others and making them sick or forcing them to isolate and test. If you can't wear a mask, limit time indoors with others and social distance.
Don't go to the cinema/theatre/restaurant/place of
worship etc if you know you are going to be hacking your guts up all over people for an hour or two.

All things that are common sense and basic manners/hygiene but that some people seem to have forgotten.

Quick update - test came back negative.