Reoccurring symptoms but negative test? Is this common?

[BigBlueHouseBear]

Just at the start of lockdown a family member had what we assumed was Covid. Terrible cough, breathless, temp, exhausted. Very near to going to hospital as breathing was so bad but didn't. No tests available at that time but 2 people he had worked closely with tested positive (in hospital) at the same time.

Had a very rough few weeks but recovered.

Last month they start again with the same symptoms but milder, awful awful cough, only a tiny bit breathless, tired but no temp. Got a test but was negative. Recovered in a week.

This morning started again with the terrible cough. No temp, no breathlessness. No tests available so they plan to just isolate. Work from home, live alone and shopping dropped off.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this?

Other virus' exist that cause similar symptoms so you presumably had a different virus last month.

True, it just seems very similar each time.

It's not me that has it.

I suppose it's worth testing every time, if he can get a test, as it could be different viruses each time. Just seems strange.

Thanks!