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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is this what I think it is??

27 replies

GadyLaLa · 25/12/2021 07:23

Been in close contact with someone who has now tested positive for covid, so I’m doing lateral flows for 7 days. I’ve got a sore throat, but not really a sore throat it feels more like tonsillitis! It’s painful only on one side & only when I swallow. I feel fine apart from when I swallow. Do we think it’s tonsillitis or covid? LFTs have been negative so far.
YABU - covid
YANBU - tonsillitis
Thanks & Merry Christmas!

OP posts:
GoodnightGrandma · 25/12/2021 07:25

I had tonsillitis in the first lockdown. My GP asked me to go for a PCR as tonsillitis seemed to be a link at that point.
It was negative.

StoopitAutocarrot · 25/12/2021 07:26

Can you go for a PCR test? Symptoms can be quite variable.

GoodnightGrandma · 25/12/2021 07:29

Testing sites should be open today, I know of someone who works at one and that one is open.

HeadToToesNo · 25/12/2021 07:30

It's worth getting a PCR to be sure.

Original poster
GadyLaLa · 25/12/2021 07:30

I will book a PCR. Just debating whether or not to cancel plans for today based on this! Meant to be going to my parents, they’re aware I’ve been a close contact & are happy to have me anyway, but I won’t go if I’m actually now getting symptoms - but got no idea if this sore throat is ‘symptoms’ or not! Confused

OP posts:
phishy · 25/12/2021 07:31

Always assume it’s COVID when you have the symptoms.

GAW19 · 25/12/2021 07:32

I had my tonsils removed at 7yo, but when I get really bad throat infections that's how it starts. I get a pain in 1 ear for a few days, then one side of throat is unbearable when I swallow

Original poster
GadyLaLa · 25/12/2021 07:32

If I was to get a PCR & it was negative, does that mean I can then stop doing the lateral flows & I’m fine to crack on as normal, I definitely don’t have it at this moment in time?

OP posts:
mrsjg · 25/12/2021 07:34

Get a PCR test booked, but be aware there is a delay in getting the results (well that was the case for me).

Thehogfatherstolemycurry · 25/12/2021 07:34

I had a scratchy throat on one side when I first got it, that and my voice sounded a bit different were my first symptoms, sorry.

Original poster
GadyLaLa · 25/12/2021 07:35

Ohh bugger, looks like I’ll have to spend the day alone then!

OP posts:
Bobbybobbins · 25/12/2021 07:35

It's a tricky one with your parents, depending on how vulnerable they are or aren't.

Cheerbear24 · 25/12/2021 07:35

I’ve had tonsillitis and a chest infection recently. The sore throat lasted a long time. I was negative on tests. There’s still other viruses out there too. However as you’ve been a close contact I’d be thinking on the lines it’s covid.

phishy · 25/12/2021 07:35

Yes if you have a negative PCR then I would go on as normal but maybe let family/ friends know you have sore throat so they can decide if they want to stay away a bit.

It will take a few days to get PCR results though.

What are you Christmas plans?

Lindy2 · 25/12/2021 07:36

Get a PCR test as you have a potential symptom. My Covid started with a sore throat but then lots of viruses do.

Hopefully it will be negative but you still continue with daily lateral flows as you could still be incubating Covid after your close contact.

Dozer · 25/12/2021 07:37

PCR and don’f see parents

mintyme · 25/12/2021 07:38

I had this earlier this week - sore throats on one side, and a mild cough. I was also on close contact with a confirmed positive case so was doing daily LFT’s for a week. By the time I had the symptoms the LFT x 3 were still negative and so was the PCR.

Definitely do get a PCR but these symptoms did occur pre-Covid too so hopefully it’s just the start of a cold for you too.

Original poster
GadyLaLa · 25/12/2021 07:39

I was going to just do the lateral flows rather than a PCR because I didn’t want to isolate over Xmas whilst waiting for the result. But think it would be sensible to do PCR & stay away from people now! My parents aren’t particularly vulnerable & want me to go, but they will be seeing my Nana over Xmas too & she is vulnerable, so I think I’ll stay home today. I stocked up on lots of food just in case this happened so it’ll be fine.

OP posts:
Prescottdanni123 · 25/12/2021 08:18

At the moment, is is advisable to get a PCR if you have a temperature, sore throat or continuous cough due to lateral flows habit of producing false negatives.

Prescottdanni123 · 25/12/2021 08:19

Just to add that if you do get a PCR I hope that is negative for you

Berthatydfil · 25/12/2021 08:21

My son - has had 2 jabs, had Covid in Sept and his booster 2 weeks ago has a sore throat and is a bit congested tested positive on 2 LFTs yesterday.

Off for a PCR this morning but I’m expecting it will be positive.

No cough and feels fine.

SNUG2022 · 25/12/2021 08:24

Go with the negative lft today, especially if parents aren't old and vulnerable.

User2638483 · 25/12/2021 08:34

Unless very extremely vulnerable I’d be reassured by lft and go with that.

Original poster
GadyLaLa · 25/12/2021 08:57

Thank you all for your replies & advice, I really appreciate it! Still undecided - negative LFT this morning & my mam & dad are insisting I still go round, they don’t want me to be on my own today…but definitely could be covid & I don’t want to be irresponsible.

OP posts:
Sodullincomparison · 25/12/2021 08:58

Mine felt like tonsillitis earlier in the week. So much so, that I really thought my LFT would be negative. Every case is different obviously but it turned out to be positive.