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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask if you still test for Covid?

157 replies

thebestcestmoi · 25/11/2022 15:10

This has been on my mind now that the general cough/cold season is upon us.

What do you do if you are having Covid-type symptoms eg cough and temp?

Do you own/pay for LF tests? How often and sparingly do you use them?

It just feels a bit strange this year with no clear guidance...

OP posts:
balalake · 25/11/2022 15:12

I would if I had symptoms or someone in the family had Covid. I have tests just in case that is needed.

The lack of clear guidance I agree is an issue. The current Prime Minister was on the side of no restrictions, even more so than the previous male Prime Minister if reports at the time were accurate.

Amboseli · 25/11/2022 15:13

No I'm not testing. It's over afaic, life is back to normal.

HealingbyFeeling · 25/11/2022 15:16

I'm still testing (and hope others would too) as Covid also affects your vascular system and I'm already high risk in that respect.

UpToMyElbowsInDiapers · 25/11/2022 15:16

I still get free tests through work, and sometimes I buy a few extra. Where I live in Canada, our paediatric health system is on its knees with RSV and flu. The least I can do is try to not add COVID into the mix in my community.

LadyHarmby · 25/11/2022 15:17

No. I have resumed my normal life.

starlightmagic · 25/11/2022 15:18

I’ve tested recently as I had a horrible cold and headache, just like how I felt when I had Covid previously. I work with vulnerable elderly people though, so it is important I’m not in close contact with them if I were to be positive. Test was negative however

Original poster
thebestcestmoi · 25/11/2022 15:20

If you do test..

Is it a regular/semi-regular thing eg every two weeks like used to be recommended?

Or if only for symptoms is it for anything cold/cough related or only something specifically covidy like loss of taste?

OP posts:
ReviewingTheSituation · 25/11/2022 15:20

I have some tests left over still.

If I had symptoms AND needed to be somewhere indoors with other people, I would probably test. If I could just stay at home for a few days then I wouldn't bother.

If I felt properly ill (ie - bed/sofa-with-a-blanket bound) then I'd test.

If I just had very mild symptoms (just a runny nose, maybe a v mild sore throat), then I'd just go about my business as normal.

I haven't had ANY symptoms of anything (not a cough, sore throat, runny nose, temp) since probably 2018. I just don't seem to pick up all the colds that do the rounds. DH does, and brings them home, but I just don't. Long may that continue!

I only ever tested during 2020/2021 if it was a necessity (if I'd been in close contact with someone, or if I was going to see my CEV parents). No random spot-testing here.

OatFox · 25/11/2022 15:20

I'm still testing before hospital appointments and if I'm very unwell. I have some chronic conditions that can be exacerbated so Covid needs to be noted down by the doctor.

QueefofSheena · 25/11/2022 15:22

I tested the other day as I had some symptoms and FIL is in a care home. They are understandably keen for it not to spread there.

TheDogAteMyHousework · 25/11/2022 15:22

I have a few tests left from when DC1's school was giving them out by the bucket load. I've tested myself about four times in the past six weeks because of sore throat and cough symptoms. That includes this morning (along with DC2) because they have cold symptoms and we're going to see my elderly parents for the weekend. We both tested negative.

Once I run out, I would probably only buy more tests if one of us has a temperature or feels "covidy".

LIZS · 25/11/2022 15:23

If likely to meet vulnerable relatives (ie elderly parents) or for clinical appointments. Or symptomatic.

Brandymakesmerandy · 25/11/2022 15:23

Yes because I have a very vulnerable mum.

Miss03852 · 25/11/2022 15:24

I already had Covid tests in my house so it was easy for me to test. I tested positive two weeks ago.

asblindasabat · 25/11/2022 15:25

No. I longer routinely test. I stopped months ago.

A family member of mine is a health worker and so still gets free LFD tests so if I had a cough/sore throat etc etc I’d do a LFD Test, just out of curiosity and I’d probably stay at home if it was positive

BigScreen · 25/11/2022 15:26

We test twice a week for work.

We can't afford someone asymptomatic to give other covid, who might then be sick and go off shift.

That side, back to normal.

mumonherphone · 25/11/2022 15:29

My DH tests himself at work if he's feeling a bit rough, as his workplace still provides covid tests and expects people to stay home, but only for 3 days. My son brought it home from school at the start of September and I assumed we all had a cold until DH tested himself at work. The school advised to keep our son at home for a couple days and send him back on Monday. So yes, there's still some testing and isolation going on but it feels much more casual now.

SquirrelFan · 25/11/2022 15:31

Yes, I had a nasty cold so tested. Negative, but I encouraged DH to test as well, as he was having lunch with a pregnant colleague, and I didn't want to risk it. He was negative too. Before that, I think we tested about a month ago before meeting vulnerable friends in their home. I work in a school and realise I have a higher chance of incubating something nasty than the average wfh-er.

xogossipgirlxo · 25/11/2022 15:39

I don't do it on regular basis, unless I have something nasty. It annoys me though, because when you're saying you're unwell, people are asking "is it covid?", and then they go "phew" and you're fine to be around them. What if I'm having a flu or nasty stomach bug that's about to get on full speed? It's no worse than covid, which might be a mild cold nowadays due to vaccines.

60smusic · 25/11/2022 15:41

I've a disabled dd so we all have to test before her hospital appointments each month, and some months we can have up to 4 appointments. The hospitals require this so that we don't bring it in and spread it to seriously ill children. This is a good thing as we can relax at the appointments knowing that everyone there has tested, it's a big worry when you're knowingly in the company of some eejit who thinks it's only a cold.

When dd gets ill we have to test her straight away as she needs to be admitted to hospital if she tests positive due to her health conditions, her lungs and breathing go downhill rapidly.

Amboseli · 25/11/2022 15:41

Those who are still testing, when will you stop, if ever? Given covid is here to stay like flu and other general cold viruses.

Starlight86 · 25/11/2022 15:41

No. Even if im unwell i dont test. Just as I wouldnt test if i had the common cold or the flu.

AuntieMarys · 25/11/2022 15:42

I've been very unwell all week but haven't tested. Absolutely no point.

MrsJaniceBing · 25/11/2022 15:46

Yes due to having a CEV loved one.

I have also seen several people over the last 6 months who, despite being previously healthy and fully vaccinated, now have long covid.

It hasn’t gone away no matter what you tell yourself.

Otins · 25/11/2022 15:46

If I'm working I still need to test twice a week (tests provided by work). If I'm not I test if I have Covid symptoms. I've had a v bad cold for 6 days so have tested every day recently, as I was pinged by the Covid app as being near someone who tested positive. They have all come back negative. I still have 3 boxes left of free tests.