Will lateral flow test work?

[Thelazydog]

I've got the "classic" symptoms according to the zoe study - for once vaccinated people, these are apparently headache, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and fever.

I don't have the fever, but have the other 4 and feel rotten.

As I don't have fever, cough or smell/ taste problem, I can't get a PCR test.

Will lateral flow tests tell me if I have covid? I know they say they're for asymptomatic people, but I'm technically not showing the govt required symptoms, despite being full of other symptoms.

I've done 2 lateral flow, both negative, but I know they don't have 100% accuracy anyway. But are they just maybe not picking it up because I'm gross and mucousy?

@whichjab I haven't actually asked anyone if I should get a PCR test. I've asked I'd the lateral flow tests will work if I'm ill - will they pick up covid if you've got other symptoms. Not the classic covid symptoms, which I know you need to get a PCR test for.

Do a PCR! There's no shortage of tests, you're not wasting anybodies time, better to get a negative and know for sure than be spreading Covid around with your cold.

Hope you're feeling better very soon whatever it turns out to be!

OP, I'm in the exact same position as you. My hayfever symptoms got worse (been really bad this year anyway) and i then developed runny nose etc. I don't have any classic symptoms and wasn't going to get a test, but after speaking to various people who all know someone - or have themselves - tested positive with cold symptoms from a PCR I booked myself in for one this morning.

I have a big in-person meeting on Tuesday and my conscience definitely wouldn't let me spread COVID across the country. I know it's a pain (I'm isolating alone with a toddler at least until my results come) but you know you need to do it or you wouldn't have started this thread.

Just get a PCR test. There’s not much point messing about on here pretending your conscience won’t let you get a test. The only way you can tell the difference between a cold and covid is by getting a test.

Unless you are planning on placing your whole family into isolation for 10 days the conscientious think to do is test. You could probably have had a result by now.

Oh also, re: lateral flows, they are unreliable. I've tested negative on a couple, my friend tested positive and I know someone who had FIVE negative LFTs and then tested positive with a PCR. They're not meant for testing symptomatic people.

I have no objection to getting a PCR test. Are all of you seriously getting PCR tests for all runny noises, sneezing, headaches, and sore throats?! I thought people were only meant to PCR for the classics 3 unless told otherwise, hence my relying on the lateral flow tests.

We can easily isolate till results are back, I have no objection to testing, but am I really meant to test for every headache, runny nose etc from here on in?

This thread is winding me up so much! Do a PCR, you have symptoms. The LFT are not reliable. How many more times do you need to be told?

I mean no objection if I qualify as needing one. Which officially I don't, but according to you all I do...

You’re being a bit daft here. As PP said no one will be checking your symptoms and it’s not like you’ve got zero symptoms

The PCR booking system was set up before there were vaccines and it’s not been refined since.

If you’re able to go and get a test you could have the result this time tomorrow and your conscience would be clear surely.

I really don’t understand your logic, just say you have symptoms or the Zoe app told you to book?

There hasn’t been a testing shortage for ages so you wouldn’t be wasting a test?

LFTs pick up Covid sometimes but not all the time.

I also have issues with getting a pcr test when you don’t have the official symptoms. I know it’s common sense to do so, but does know if/how the data is being logged? Because I’d be reluctant to enter false data to get a pcr test if in aggregate all of us entering the false data provides an incorrect picture of symptoms.

We booked pcr tests and put that we had cough because no main symptoms. Two out of four tests have come back positive. Symptoms were like cold.

Where we are children can get a test if they're asked to self isolate from school and when my niece tested positive the whole family went. With symptoms like that (which are what the symptoms that seem to be common amongst the vaccinated) you're morally better to get the test than not

I did an 'asymptomatic' lateral test when I had symptoms as this was back in January when the Government weren't throwing boxes at us & my work was offering it for free. Came back positive. When it comes back positive you have to have a PCR test to confirm. They're less accurate than PCR which is why you have a PCR if showing symptoms but good alternative which you wait for your PCR to come back

To echo others, I think you're overthinking this - get a PCR booked ASAP. But I live in an area where we've had surge testing within the last few weeks so everyone was asked to get a PCR, whether they had symptoms or not...and then again the week after 🙄 school were handing them out left, right and centre.

I honestly wouldn't hesitate.

Booking my test now.

I surely hope the rest of the UK are being tested for their runny noses, headaches, and sore throats ;)

I got the impression everyone was ditching masks and going to sports events.

I really don't like being made out to be a villain for asking if lateral flow will work when I have a cold - I've done more to comply this last year than i would wager 90% of the country has.

Just book a pcr. They aren’t in short supply.

I have given up on knowing anything we're supposed to do with covid.
There are some horrible colds going around, I do know that!

@FiddlefigOnTheRoof

I also have issues with getting a pcr test when you don’t have the official symptoms. I know it’s common sense to do so, but does know if/how the data is being logged? Because I’d be reluctant to enter false data to get a pcr test if in aggregate all of us entering the false data provides an incorrect picture of symptoms.

But it's widely recognised now that the "official symptoms" are completely out of date, both in terms of how Delta presents and how they affect vaccinated people.

The lateral flow tests don't work any 'differently' for people whether they have symptoms or not. People take them twice a week so on a population level some cases that would otherwise have gone unnoticed will be picked up. They are less sensitive than pcr and have a high rate of false negatives. If you think you could possibly have covid the only way to know for sure is to get a pcr. You likely do just have a cold but your symptoms are the same as many with covid. If you get a pcr then in 24 hours you will have a definite answer and if negative you can go out and about as normal guilt free. I know what you mean about 'lying' to book the test but really it is completely fine to do it and actually the right thing to do.

@Thelazydog

Booking my test now.

I surely hope the rest of the UK are being tested for their runny noses, headaches, and sore throats ;)

I got the impression everyone was ditching masks and going to sports events.

I really don't like being made out to be a villain for asking if lateral flow will work when I have a cold - I've done more to comply this last year than i would wager 90% of the country has.

Delta has these symptoms.

Lateral flow may be as little as 50% sensitive. So it's definitely worth getting a PCR.

I've got several friends who were positive on PCR yet negative on lateral flow.

Book a PCR. Which is worse for your conscience? Booking a PCR without classic symptoms or spreading COVID to friends/family????

And yes, both me and dd tested both cold symptoms recently as we are in schools that have had cases. We were negative. My hairdresser tested when she had a headache. It was positive! Fingers crossed for you.

You do realise the dreaded cold is going around don't you? Head ache sore throat runny nose. Ive had it all week lft negative etc. My oldest dd aged 11 currently has a temp of 38.8 she's just had paracetamol. Nil bacterial infection and it isn't covid

Noones making you out to be a villain but you were being slightly ridiculous. The answer is that a lateral flow may or may not pick up if you have covid, so is pretty useless if you actually think you might. They are useful for picking up asymptomatic cases that people wouldn’t otherwise know they had.

Many people are testing positive on PCRs now with cold symptoms, especially vaccinated people whose symptoms may look different. They just haven’t updated the official list.

Tests are not in short supply, at all, and they would much rather you just go and get blinking tested. It’s not like the initial months of the pandemic when tests were in very short supply.