Some are more equal than others... Testing

[MsMeNz]

I'm really annoyed. Some UK celebs and politicians testing positive and reassuring people... But seriously how did they get tested? None of them are at the point of being hospitalised and that is the policy for testing, at least it is around here, at the local hospitals telling people if you turn up with symptoms you won't be tested etc.
It feels like there is one rule for one another rule for others. There are plenty of other important people like teachers and health care workers and what the heck we are all important to our loved ones!

I unfortunately today have symptoms. I've had a snotty cough cold last few weeks which I'm 99 percent sure was normal but I stayed off work etc. Was feeling much better last few days. But today I felt like I was hit by a truck, weak, loss appitate, heating up but not high fever, cough turned drier, and chest hurts somewhat but not terrible it's just not right. I just want to know if I have it or not. It's horrible not being allowed to know. I work with big data and I don't understand why the gov don't want the data to track spread and create plans etc. Highly frustrating. So how does one go about getting tested when the local healthcare system is refusing to test? (I assume unless gasping for air and ambulance called at which point one thinks it might have been better to catch it earlier....then they might care to test) sorry for ranting. I just dont like the whole Animal Farm thing if some people are more equal than others

Sorry to hear you are poorly. I completely agree there should be more testing.

I wonder if the celebs are getting tested in the hope it will reassure the public? Either that or they can afford private healthcare of a calibre that pays for getting tested (I have PMI through work but testing isn't covered in bog-standard policies).

I know, I'm analytical too. I can't understand how they are choosing when to make decisions in an empirical way with such poor data.

Also, I have the tight chest symptoms too. I just want to know, as if I could then I could warn colleagues I was in contact with last week without sounding hysterical.

The american ones pay for it the british im not sure I know one guy was tested because someone he had contact with was positive back in the days when we did that

I read somewhere that the proper test can only be done by NHS as there are only a few labs doing them and private healthcare can't access them. It is a new virus so the test isn't widely available. It said a private clinic in London was offering a test but it was indicative rather than confirmatory (Is that a word?)

Absolutely. I have private health insurance by default through DH job but no symptoms yet. Just general cold eg sore throat, headache, snotty. I doubt I will be tested even if I show symptoms. I'm a teacher and today had contact with 60 5 and 6 year olds, constantly touching their faces, picking their noses etc. We lined them up for hand washing 8 times throughout the day but it was futile.

I’m with you, how are you meant to know?
I’ve been ripped on threads a few times for saying it, symptoms are vague and over lap. . But people cannot afford to repeatedly isolate for colds.
More so, if your nhs staff

I have a swollen gland in my neck, which is tender, and a feeling of tightness in my chest and a slightly sensitive, not sore, throat.

None of these are listed as CV symptoms on NHS 111. I am already self-isolating because of a family member having a very slight, not particularly persistent any longer, cough, so it's no big issue for me, but it would be good to know.

It would also be useful to know so you could change your behaviour to cover at work/ help / volunteer.

Agree with you all!! I have private health insurance but they just refer you to 111. I'm not panicked exactly although the sore chest is worrisome but more to know for sure and also sounds silly but if I know I have it I can possibly seek help in time if things took a turn for the Worst earlier than I would ordinarily engage further treatment. Also be nice to know if and when I got over it assuming vast majority develop long term immunity I know my turn is over and done with and can focus on others. I know one place does them for 395 but that is just too much I'd maybe pay 50-80 for a test privately with and understanding they maybe only 85-90 percent accurate. I just hope this policy changes soon. I think having drive through testing would be the first way other areas seem to be operating.