Can't get my head round this

[LookofEvaBraun]

I have had covid, was infectious from 9th Jan according to test and trace. I spent time with DP 9th and 10th Jan. DP is in my support bubble as we're single adults.

On 13th Jan I tested positive after I developed symptoms on the 11-12th.

Whilst DP was self isolating his chest didn't feel right but he was refused a test as he didn't have a fever, or loss of smell, he was told self isolating would be enough, even though he said he had skin contact with me. His isolation finished on 20th, he returned to work on 21st.

On 22nd his SIL managed to get him booked in for a walk in test. By the evening he became very breathless and faint. He called out a paramedic, his SPO2 levels were ok and he was told it was probably a chest infection. On the 23rd his test came back negative.

DP continued to feel very unwell, weak and unsteady. All week he has been bed bound with bad headaches, he was prescribed antibiotics on Monday as the paramedic sent the info through to his GP.

On Tuesday 26th I ordered a Covid self test for him as he was so poorly, on 28th it came back positive. This is so confusing, if he contracted Covid from me surely he would have tested positive on the 22nd and how was he experiencing worrying symptoms on the 22nd if he didn't have Covid then?

He could have had a false negative.

False negatives are pretty common.

@FossilisedFanny
It could be, I'm very concerned that he was refused a test earlier and went back into work when he was infectious.

I didn't get a high temperature, or loss of smell. I had started with a cough but as I'm asthmatic I thought I was getting a cold on my chest from being out in the playground . I only had a walk in test after testing positive on the lateral flow at work.

I don't understand why people are being refused a test, yet I have five local testing centres and I could go everyday if I wanted to, as do many other cities.

He obviously got a false negative. The lateral flow tests have a higher false negative rate.

I think if people have been in contact with someone who has tested positive and start to feel unwell themselves, it’s safer to assume they have covid and to tick the necessary boxes to enable them to get a test. Why did your SIL not get him a test when he first got turned down for one ?

Why did your SIL not get him a test when he first got turned down for one ?

His sister in law. I was unwell the earlier part of the week so I've no idea why, tbh I didn't know she worked at the hospital until he told me last week. It's not really on her, it's on test and trace if they see fit to refuse tests for someone who's partner tested positive.

I meant to type it's on the NHS