To test or not to test?

[mynameisnotmichaelcaine]

DD(16) had her nasal flu vaccine this week. Usually this makes her unwell for a few days. Yesterday she developed a very sore throat and is tired and a little achy. No fever, no cough, no loss of sense of taste or smell.

All of the NHS sites still say only to test if you have one of the big three symptoms. She doesn't. Should I book a test for her or wait and see?

I wouldn’t for that exact reason - she doesn’t have one of the three symptoms.

All of the NHS sites still say only to test if you have one of the big three symptoms. She doesn't

You already know the answer. There's no need for her to get a test.

covid.joinzoe.com/post/back-to-school

I know, but I remember reading this, and I am a little concerned.

She doesn’t have one of the three symptoms. She doesn’t need a test.

Please don't test. She doesn't have any of the symptoms to test for. I don't mean to sound harsh but why would you think this is appropriate? No wonder there is/was a shortage of tests 🤷

No wonder there is/was a shortage of tests

There was a shortage of tests. There isn’t now.

Dd2 is the same after her flu vaccine. I will keep her off school if she still feels rough tomorrow, but won't test unless she gets a temperature, cough or change/loss of smell.

Thanks all. I took her temp again and it was 38, so we booked a test. Done and dusted in an hour. Covid is rife in school, and I feel better for knowing she won't be inadvertently infecting anyone.

It is so hard to tell. I had suspected C-19 in March before testing was available. I had no appetite and less sense of taste. Not a known symptom then but now a key one. Having read you link, I changed my mind and I think I’d have done tye test too.

@mynameisnotmichaelcaine
If she has a temperature, definitely a good idea to get a test.
Hope she is ok.

Ive done the same with same symptoms

I would have done a test too. I don't think the science backs up the main symptoms all that well, as the Zoe app has shown. Large percentage of people test positive with just a headache/sore throat. But if they said you could test for any cold-type symptoms I suppose there wouldn't be enough tests.

You did the right thing. I think children have different symptoms (so do lots of adults) so the reliance on just 3 key symptoms over simplifies things a bit. Hope its nothing.

Thanks everyone. She slept really poorly and has lost her voice this morning. Temp still raging but chest ok, no cough and no loss of taste or smell. I'm a teacher so am really keen to get results so I can get back to work. Luckily we have half the school off on a rota because of staffing levels, so at least I can still teach some of my classes from home.

My two boys are pretty thrilled with an extra day "off". DH has been WFH since March anyway.