New cough

[purplecup]

How long do I have to have been coughing before I book a test??

Once you're aware that it's a 'cough as opposed to one a one off tickle in your throat.

Thank you. I have been coughing for a few hours now. I can't book a test or get one sent 🤦🏼‍♀️ no idea what I'm meant to do now!

You’ll just have to continue isolating until you can get a test.

I think the official definition is coughing frequently for more than one hour or more than 3 episodes of coughing in 24 hours.

Just keep on trying. It’s very frustrating. I spent all Thursday evening trying, several times overnight & again from 7am the next morning, including calling the helpline (it hung up - too busy!). I managed to get one about 10.15am when a batch of slots were suddenly released. Good luck!

Thank you! So frustrating! I work in a school so would be great if I could get a negative result before I go back Monday 🤞🏼

The NHS says it's coughing a lot during an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.

Essentially, once it's not a one off tickle or an existing cough/respiratory condition has got worse then you need to isolate and get a test.

The testing is chaotic though so you will have to keep checking back.

I work in a school so would be great if I could get a negative result before I go back Monday
You must be joking!

I'm on day 6 of waiting and work in a school. Some of our students are in the same situation.

I've been trying to get a test for my son since 4pm yesterday with no luck. Constantly refreshing the website but nothing available. A lot of people are going to be off school/work soon if this continues. It's crazy.

@LolaSmiles

The NHS says it's coughing a lot during an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.

Essentially, once it's not a one off tickle or an existing cough/respiratory condition has got worse then you need to isolate and get a test.

The testing is chaotic though so you will have to keep checking back.

I'm coughing every 5-10 mins ish maybe less..am I over reacting?

I spent all morning checking and eventually got one for this evening for my son. Nearly 40 miles away. But we have it.

I wouldn't say you're overreacting because that's a new continuous cough.

If schools stand any chance of remaining open and we want to reduce the chance of further spikes then we have to follow the rules.

That's definitely a continuous cough, you are not overreacting. Keep trying to get a test and isolate in the meantime. And consider writing to your MP if you feel up to it. The testing is a complete shambles.

Managed to get a test for tomorrow..phew!