Should I get a test?

[Yetiyoga]

I can't believe I'm starting one of these threads now as I've seen others and always felt it was black and white but now I'm in this boat I feel like it really isn't. I've had a headache all evening, a really painful one. But also, I have a really tight chest. I don't really have any of the main symptoms, but I coughed about 4 times between yesterday afternoon and this eve but it isn't a continuous cough, just a couple of coughs and then nothing for hours.
I feel exhausted though. I don't know if the coughs were enough for a test but I've no sign of a cold?! I don't want to waste a test but I am worried that I have it and don't know.
My heart was beating so fast this afternoon but is that just my anxiety over the virus!? (I feel like I've been pretty chilled after the initial panic in March!)

Get a test.

I wouldn't to be honest

The Zoe app research is showing that a headache and fatigue are really strong indicators of Covid. I would get a test.

covid.joinzoe.com/post/early-covid-signs

Given it appears 90% of cases are asymptomatic, 30% of positives are missed and 1500 positives a day are actually negative, you can either get a test or not and no-one is any the wiser.

I have very very similar symptoms to those you've described, a tight chest a headache and extreme tiredness to the point that I've slept four hours this afternoon. I wasn't even thinking of getting a test. Personally I'd wait and see how the cough progresses.

4 coughs wouldn't make me seek a test.

I would not get a test with the symptoms you've described.

Have you been able to take your temperature/do you feel like you could have a temperature?
I wondered if that could explain the heart beating fast.

Those are all Covid symptoms. Get a test. If you don’t and you have the virus , you could be spreading it about locally . At least if you are tested you will know. A friend had Covid and the headache and fatigue were the main things she experienced.

I would get a test if you want one. And don’t worry, I had similar symptoms and my test was negative

I'm sure there are all sorts of private tests out there you could pay to take.
But those symptoms don't qualify for a free NHS one on the T&T system.

[quote bitheby]covid.joinzoe.com/post/early-covid-signs[/quote]
That’s not an NHS, or PHE or government or world health organisation website site.

GET A TEST
DH went to the doc with those symptoms thinking chest infection. He's tested positive for Covid

www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

You wouldn’t qualify for a test under the gov.co.uk rules. I’ve coughed four times a day since I was 30 so I don’t think that’s what they’re talking about on the gov site.

You could get a private test if you’re worried though. I hope you feel better soon.

Headache and fatigue are very non specific symptoms. How is your sense of smell ? Have you any reason to think you might be positive ?

Thanks for all the input. I've woken up feeling fine. I think my anxiety was all over the place last night. No temp at all and taste/ smell is fine.
I did sleep for about 12 hours last night but work has been stressful and long so I think I was worn out. Obviously if the cough develops further then I will get a test, but I think as most of you have said, it doesn't qualify and I think it is unlikely I have it.

F off PVW

It's a research project between King's College London and the NHS.

The website says that the project is supported by various parts of the NHS. I didn't link to some wacky conspiracy theory website.

Our supporters

The COVID Symptom Study app has been developed by health science company ZOE.

It is endorsed by the Welsh Government, NHS Wales, the Scottish Government & NHS Scotland. Data collected is shared with and analysed by King's College London & ZOE research teams.

I had similar symptoms at the start of the week-tight chest like I get if I’m running in the cold weather, the odd cough and a headache and fatigue. Also sore throat. But my temp was fine and my taste and smell were fine so I decided to see how it went and it was gone the next day. No idea what it was! Maybe linked to the change in temperature or something

Ok bit... I’m not sure. They do mention King’s College is part of the collaboration yes.

But this ZOE testing and nutrition thing... they are selling something. Here is the small print on ZOE in the terms and conditions.

Charges and Billing

ZOE charges a one-off fee (“Purchase Price”) for the initial testing and Results. Customers can opt-in to a subscription service (“Subscription Plan”) which offers ongoing personalised nutrition and lifestyle insight to help Customers understand and optimize their nutritional habits over time. Subscription plans are charged periodically (e.g. monthly or annually) and can be renewed depending on their length.

It may have legit people behind it. But I don’t think you can compare this site at all to the others (NHS, PHE, gov/DH, WHO) in terms of sources of information and advice.

Also note:

Returns and Refund Policy

All fees and charges assessed by ZOE are non-refundable.

I've been doing the ZOE Kings College research app since March or April, I've not been charged anything. I've currently got a cold (blocked sinuses, sneezing, no fever, coughing only when need to clear mucus from throat occasionally, no change to smell or taste), and ZOE has asked me to take a test. No charge for that either.

It's a research project. The results of which have helped signpost how we identify and treat Covid.

It’s being piloted in some countries. Here are the terms and costs:

joinzoe.com/terms

Their nutrition one that has already launched I’m talking about. They’re a profit making company is the point.

[quote ParlezVousWronglais]It’s being piloted in some countries. Here are the terms and costs:

joinzoe.com/terms[/quote]
That's not the same thing - that's a different organisation with the same name