Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Likelihood this is a cold or covid?

46 replies

Lockdown2worry · 18/12/2020 21:50

Have had a scratchy throat on and off this week which normally means a cold is on its way. Have now come out in a heavy cold, nose streaming and totally bunged up. Eyes sting a bit and inside of mouth feels sore in places for some reason.

But hardly any sense of smell or taste. Couldn't even smell olbas oil when right under nose. Could just be due to cold and being bunged up - how likely do you think it is to be anything more?

Only nipped into shops and been out for walks so limited contact but DS is at primary school which is most likely route of exposure.

Have tried to get a test several times today but no postal ones available and nearest test centre 60 miles away. Will keep trying.

OP posts:
itsgettingweird · 18/12/2020 22:59

My covid started with an itchy sore throat that nothing relieved.

Original poster
Lockdown2worry · 18/12/2020 23:05

@FoodDrive

Can you really not get a test? I’m in tier 3 admittedly but there’s loads of slots near us. Plus the option of a home test. You need to get a test because of your change in smell
Nothing at the moment - it looked like home tests were available but then it said not at the last stage. We're in tier 3 as of tomorrow too. I checked the testing site a couple of days ago just out of interest to see where my nearest test centre was and there were quite a few close by with availability. But nothing now I actually need one Sad

Will keep checking until I go to sleep and try again from 8. One nostril a bit clearer now but still can't smell anything which is a bit worrying.

OP posts:
Original poster
Lockdown2worry · 18/12/2020 23:10

Now it's over 70 miles Confused

Likelihood this is a cold or covid?
OP posts:
covetingthepreciousthings · 19/12/2020 07:34

Keep trying OP, hope you get something soon. We had this a few months ago and was a nightmare to get a test. I think they release new slots at 8am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm (or at least they did a while ago when we were trying). Just keep refreshing all the time too.

CKBJ · 19/12/2020 07:42

Hope you get a test. One thing I would like to ask is when you normally get a cold can you smell olbas oil? Whenever I’ve had a cold I can always smell it.

cushionpad · 19/12/2020 08:01

I recently tested + the only symptom I had was a cold sneezing and runny nose I was shocked by the result.

Original poster
Lockdown2worry · 19/12/2020 09:06

Thanks coveting - that's really helpful. I'll try those times.

I'd normally be able to smell olbas oil with a cold, yes. Having marmite toast now and not much taste or smell wise. My tea is just like liquid, could be anything. Everything is very dulled down.

@cushionpad that's what worries me a bit and why I want to test. Would hate to inadvertently pass something on. Did it get any worse than that for you?

OP posts:
middleager · 19/12/2020 09:18

Keep trying. Friend just tested positive with classic cold symptoms, inc runny nose.

DarceyDashwood · 19/12/2020 09:23

I had the same a few weeks ago - I was also sniffing olbas oil like crazy and couldn’t smell it. But could feel like I’d irritated the inside of my nose from sniffing it so much (if that makes sense). I got a test and it was negative. But as others have said those symptoms could be covid. I believe if you try later on more tests might be available.

OhDear2200 · 19/12/2020 09:25

@saneandwelladjustedallegedly

I've got the common cold right now (hence my prolific MN posting as I CBA to do anything else, I'll name change after the weekend). I have a runny nose, sneezing that is testing my pelvic floor, stuffy, heavy head, lethargic and I needed a spicy curry for tea tonight to hit the spot. I'm sick of people asking me if it's covid. No! This is likely the 30th cold I've had in my life and I know the symptoms. But sadly everyone around me is saying 'oh you should get tested to be in the safe side' I won't be. I'm keeping myself to myself as I have for every other cold I've had. There are other viruses and low level illness still doing the rounds. Off for a medicinal gin now...
Everyone I know who has tested positive were convinced it was ‘just a cold’.

This is terrible advice considering the current situation. OP has lost her sense of taste, she is getting a test and this is the right thing to do.

naomi81 · 19/12/2020 12:11

There is a symptom checker on nhs website for covid, I did it and it told me I have a cold and to not get a covid test. Might be worth doing that and making a decision x

AstridAv · 19/12/2020 12:16

Just as a warning about the NHS checker thing. Told me I was unlikely to have covid. Although I did. It seems to affect everyone so differently

HairyFloppins · 19/12/2020 12:20

My covid felt just like a cold. Hope you feel better soon.

LindaEllen · 19/12/2020 12:35

@saneandwelladjustedallegedly

I've got the common cold right now (hence my prolific MN posting as I CBA to do anything else, I'll name change after the weekend). I have a runny nose, sneezing that is testing my pelvic floor, stuffy, heavy head, lethargic and I needed a spicy curry for tea tonight to hit the spot. I'm sick of people asking me if it's covid. No! This is likely the 30th cold I've had in my life and I know the symptoms. But sadly everyone around me is saying 'oh you should get tested to be in the safe side' I won't be. I'm keeping myself to myself as I have for every other cold I've had. There are other viruses and low level illness still doing the rounds. Off for a medicinal gin now...
FWIW my covid experience felt very like a cold.

I know you know what a cold feels like, but you DON'T know what covid feels like, therefore you cannot rule it out.

I hope you feel better soon, but just remember that there are lots of people who tested positive while presenting with cold symptoms. So take care.

Original poster
Lockdown2worry · 19/12/2020 16:39

Finally, got a test booked for tomorrow close to home. Nearly booked one 45 mins away earlier so glad I held out a bit longer!

OP posts:
Original poster
Lockdown2worry · 19/12/2020 16:40

Typically I know seem to be smelling a little more. I don't want to take a test from someone who needs it more but think it's still best to be on the safe side and double check.

OP posts:
time4anothername · 19/12/2020 16:52

never not been able to smell Olbas with a cold or flu. but you know your own body so you know if this is different. If you have never before experienced change of taste and smell with a virus, act as if you have it I would say.

testingtesting321 · 19/12/2020 17:01

Once you have booked the test you can't cancel so definitely go. Lots of people have tested positive thinking they just had a cold so it's worth testing for sure to know either way .

Original poster
Lockdown2worry · 22/12/2020 12:57

Negative test result back late last night which is a relief. At least I can still head out for walks if not much else! Hope everyone with positive results feels better soon.

OP posts:
camoflaguesocks · 22/12/2020 13:02

I went for a test after lots of nagging by people despite me knowing I had a cold. Guess what? I've got a cold!

Bubblemonkey · 22/12/2020 13:09

My sister thought she had a cold. She was badly with covid for about 2 months. Fit & healthy. No health issues.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page