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Original poster

Does anyone else keep getting asked to test by Zoe?

35 replies

WildSkitty · 30/08/2020 17:54

I'm part of the Zoe app and complete the symptom checker as often as I remember (usually 3-4 times a week).

Usually I answer that I'm feeling fine, but every time I've said that I don't feel fine, even with non classic covid symptoms (headache, tiredness), it has suggested I do a test. I've now done 3 tests.

Is it normal to be sent for so many tests?

OP posts:
Witchend · 30/08/2020 17:59

I haven't been asked at all, but I haven't had any symptoms more than a headache one morning.

I suspect it probably goes on any symptoms, although I'd got the impression you would get random ones to try and look at asymptomatic cases too.

Farlow · 30/08/2020 18:21

Yep, I‘ve had 5!

Farlow · 30/08/2020 18:23

Once for a cough
Twice for upset stomach
Once for sore throat
And once for sore eyes/light sensitivity.

All my tests were negative

Original poster
WildSkitty · 30/08/2020 18:24

Oh wow @Farlow that's quite a few! Do you do the home testing or drive through? I feel a bit better now for being asked more than one! Are you a healthcare worker?

OP posts:
Lemoncurd · 30/08/2020 18:32

I've been asked twice, just couldn't bring myself to take a test the second time as was better by the time the email came and didn't have any of the three symptoms they list for taking a test.

Anyone know if they ask for people to test when you are reporting on their behalf?

I report for my children too and one is ill, but without temp, cough or change in sense of smell or taste. Looked to register him for a test but it said not to unless one or more of these applied.

PerditaProvokesEnmity · 30/08/2020 18:41

I did one several weeks ago and then reported a mild cold last week. They invited me to take another test and I dutifully filled out the form for home testing - just as before.

What do I see on my screen? The security check doesn't recognise me.

Hmm Confused Angry

I don't know what to think. I'm sure I'd have noticed if I'd changed my identity since early Summer. I had no reason to think my cold was anything more sinister, but it would be upsetting if I had desperately wanted the test.

I may phone the number they give on Tuesday. Don't like not being me ...

kevinbacone · 30/08/2020 18:44

I've been asked a couple of times after reporting that I felt a bit ill but I've never gone for the test as I've always felt better by the time the invite comes and I didn't want to waste the test that someone else might need. I didn't realise that the idea was you did it regardless Blush

DamitJanet · 30/08/2020 18:44

Not at all, despite reporting various headaches, sore throat etc. Even when I reported a cough I didn’t get an email. Obviously I did take myself off for a test though.
I get all their other emails so I don’t think it’s a settings thing.

BlueSlice · 30/08/2020 18:46

Yes. Only actually took the test once though and it was negative.

Frazzled13 · 30/08/2020 18:46

Nope, never. I've reported headache, sore throat and nausea (at different times)

Tfoot75 · 30/08/2020 18:49

It's to research whether there are any other symptoms linked to positive tests. If you use the app to report you should do the test every time it asks you to!

Aragog · 30/08/2020 18:58

Yes, but I think it's because it is a research app rather than just to advise regarding symptoms.

I've had the email 3 times but only got the test once. The second two times I didn't as I knew the sniffles were my hay fever and I know the aches was an arthritis flare up.

I did the first time as it was the first time it'd happened and at that point I wasn't really sure what was causing my 'non Covid top 3' symptoms to rule it out.

Farlow · 30/08/2020 18:58

No not a hcp. I’ve just reported in the Zoe App and seem to get asked a lot. It’s not so bad because I’m only 10 minutes away from a drive through testing station.

Farlow · 30/08/2020 19:00

Also I’ve been reporting in the app since the beginning. As more and more users have signed up I’ve been asked a lot less.

Snozzlemaid · 30/08/2020 19:00

I had a headache one day and they said I should have a test.
I didn't bother as it's not one of the listed symptoms and it was only a headache. We can't all go for tests every time we have a headache.

Lindy2 · 30/08/2020 19:05

I believe if you have reported that you are well for 9+ days and then report certain symptoms it will automatically issue a test request.

It's part of the research they are doing. They state they are asking people to test who they believe may have Coronavirus but also asking some that they don't believe have it.

It's helping build up a picture of the wider symptoms. There's some very interesting data and research on the app's main page if you have the time to have a proper read of it.

noraclavicle · 30/08/2020 19:20

If I just have a headache or any other symptom I’m overwhelmingly certain won’t be Covid I just tap ‘I’m feeling normal.’ Back when I think I actually had it the tests weren’t available though, sadly!

HeresMe · 30/08/2020 19:21

I stopped using the Zoe app seemed bollocks

Augustbreeze · 30/08/2020 19:21

It's not about whether you feel better or it being one of the main symptoms - they should probably explain that better.

You're basically helping in a scientific study and so they need people who probably don't have coronavirus as well as those who maybe do. And none of us know, frankly, if we don't get a test....

I couldn't work out what to do when it told me to get a test the day after I'd already got off my own bat! And then, when I logged the result, it said "Did we ask you to take this test?" Don't know enough about how they link into the NHS system. That is, I was testing because of the symptom I'd already reported, but I hadn't my waited for them to prompt me to get a test and don't know whether they could retrospectively link the test to me, iyswim. (Sorry can't explain what I mean, hope someone understands!)

Augustbreeze · 30/08/2020 19:23

Remember they were one of the main players who discovered that loss of taste was a symptom, so that "just a headache" could end up being very useful for them to have data on!

thefemaleJoshLyman · 30/08/2020 19:32

I’ve been asked to go for two. Both times linked to sore throats and the first time a headache and runny nose. Turned out both times I was pre-menstrual! Do I get a sore throat as part of my PMT?!

KevinAndHerKits · 30/08/2020 19:36

Are tests actually available at the moment? I’ve tried to book tests twice in the last week with borderline symptoms and had to give up because they weren’t available.

SwedishEdith · 30/08/2020 20:33

Wonder if it depends where you live? Partner was asked to go this week (and did) but we're in a restricted area still.

nex18 · 30/08/2020 20:51

I have once, for a headache. It was negative as expected but it felt odd testing and carrying on with life before the results came.

hedgehogger1 · 30/08/2020 21:11

They are trying to determine how much other symptoms play a role. This was how they worked out the loss of taste/smell as a key indicator. If we test when we have a headache and it comes out negative it means it's less likely headaches are an indicator. I've done two for headaches and one for nausea. All negative. Postal ones, so I didn't really have to put myself out in any way