Are they even testing people for this anymore ?

[Lardlizard]

As in the family we have a 6 year old that’s coughing and now has a raised temp of 39c

We thought have a look at 111 online
But they only seem interested
In people that can cope with the symptoms
So should we be contacting anyone
Of course the child will not be going to school for 7 days

No testing. I am struggling with bouts of breathlessness, on day 11 of a virus and can't even get through on 111. After 30 minutes it cuts off.

Not unless the patient needs to be admitted into hospital.

I believe they said the other day they're only testing those that are hospitalised

Only those admitted to hospital and some others for public health reasons.

Thanks, I suppose that makes sense if 80 of us are going to catch it

Claire, shit I don’t know what to say
Hope you get better soon
Do you mind me asking how yours started and how it’s been for you ?

Nurse here. It's impossible to test everyone. The management wouldn't change with a diagnosis, there is no cure.
Resources are needed elsewhere, swabbing patients takes staff away from where they are needed. Things are stretched. The majority of people will recover without medical intervention.

Ok We just wanted to clarify rather than waste time trying tested, to be fair it does make sense

It’s frustrating though because it means the numbers being reported do not reflect the true risk to members of society, eg they say 1200 people have it, well that is quite low risk but in reality over 10k worth of individuals have it if not higher

Yes, I totally agree. The way the NHS has to work is that decisions are made based on the outcomes. Just testing for the sake of data does not make much sense if it won't change the way those cases are handled.
Most people will have mild, if unpleasant symptoms, we don't test to see what strains of seasonal flu people get unless they are admitted to hospital. That testing is so the appropriate treatment can be given.