My doctor phoned to say he's positive

[Egora]

I had to visit my GP on Wednesday as I've found a lump in my breast.

He was wearing a mask, (so was I) and a visor over his face. Also gloves.

He examined my chest and also a sore area on my face.

Today I received a call to say he's tested positive for corona, but not to worry as I don't need a test unless I want one. Apparently the risk was v small due to PPE.

I asked if I need to self isolate and was told not unless I develop symptoms.

Not sure if that's the correct advice? Is the risk minimal?

I'm 47 and no known health issues

You don't need to self-isolate or do a test unless you develop symptoms. Why do posters on here feel they know better than the expert medical advice the OP has been given?

Meh, many healthcare professionals will be coming into contact with people with COVID and not doing anything other than following the social distancing rules. Interesting if you think about it in a reversal of roles. If you had found out you were positive, what do you think the doctor would have done? If test and trace was used on every healthcare professional who had contact with a positive COVID case there would shortly be none left working. They will not be staying home in case they develop symptoms.
You were wearing ppe as was the doctor, it will be fine.

Under new rules doesn't OP have to self isolate for 2 weeks regardless of any test result?

No, because of the PPE

Good luck with your appointment breast clinic - it is a long time to be waiting and anxious time.
What a lovely GP

You don't need to self-isolate or do a test unless you develop symptoms.
You're not required to, but if you'd like to know if you are one of the many thousands of people who have the virus without having symptoms (yet), I'd get a test whenever is most appropriate.

The virus is spreading in large part because of asymptomatic transmission. I personally think as many people as possible should get tested if they can.

Also, you can't get an NHS test unless you have symptoms.

P.s I think it's quite obvious he caught it from work. He's working directly with people who potentially have it.

And I suppose all the NHS front line workers who have caught it at the supermarket as well hey? Lol. You lot really make me laugh.

Oh that's good, so OP is clear to live as normal a life as possible?

I thought the contact tracers would be in touch for sure. But I gather not so since PPE was used. You will, OP, let us know, I hope, if they do get in touch.

You can call 111 and ask for a home swab test. That will at least put your mind at ease for visiting the clinic with other vulnerable patients as well as yourself. It takes up to 7 days to get the results back but could be quicker some get results in 72 hiurs

I went to the GP on Thursday to have my breast checked too. She was wearing a mask (but mostly lowered as I need to lip read) and a clear visor. She was also wearing scrubs and I was given a mask. Last night I developed a sore throat so it’s been niggling at me whether I might have caught something from her. I had told myself it was unlikely but maybe I should order a test too.

God luck with the follow up at the clinic op, I hope it all goes well. It’s horrible having to wait but hopefully they can put your mind at rest.

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@FiveFootTwoEyesOfBlue

Also, you can't get an NHS test unless you have symptoms.

You can. My daughter and her colleagues have all had one.

@FiveFootTwoEyesOfBlue Think this depends, I got tested last week in hospital as our local hospital is now testing everyone who attends even if they have no symptoms.

Our local testing clinic for the public is saying they will only test if someone has symptoms that started within five days. This testing pod is just outside the hospital doors.

Thanks @mumsnetlou

I've been on here for many years, way back to the Moldies days when lovely Maryz burnt her Christmas dinner, and I've never been called a troll before.

I hope I didn't upset anyone with this thread, I was just a little surprised to get the call and felt I should have double checked about the self isolating.

I'm feeling fine but will get a test tomorrow at the drive in place (I've got booked in via the online system)

As someone else mentioned, I'll be going to the breast clinic and wouldn't go if Theresa risk I could infect anyone so will make sure it's 14 days before going. I'm currently on the two week wait appointment but will explain when I'm offered an appointment

Thanks again for all the comments, as I said I don't know that GP but my surgery in general are amazing and I did really appreciate the call from him.

@yousethetone I hope your check was okay, and if you're joining me in the wait for the breast clinic that you get seen quickly.

as you were both wearing PPE you should be ok and according to T and T no isolation should be necessary, as far as i understand.

oh i see i am repeating what has been said already.
sigh.

There is no point in getting a test yet. The virus doesn't show up for a number of days so a negative would mean nothing at this point.This is the whole reason why those being contacted under track and trace are not being tested.

Good luck for your breast clinic appointment Egora I'm sure the clinic would be able to put your mind at ease about going/not going re: virus contact. Give them a call if you're still worried. They will definitely want to see you.

I would have thought you would have been tested prior to your 2 ww appointment. If not I'd get a test 2-3 days before, obviously earlier if you develop symptoms

I'm sure that 111 gave OP correct advice so
If the health service has arranged testing for a couple days time, in full knowledge of when was examined by GP who was C19 positive, they know what they're doing.

Just in case anyone was interested, I cancelled my test as I decided to wait and see. As it turns out I didn't develop symptoms and feel fine so didn't take one.

And lump was a harmless cyst and the breast clinic today were lovely.

Great news @Egora. Hope you relax this evening