How long after being exposed do I do a LFT? Do I have to leave it a few days ?

[Cherir20]

Hi,

Was around someone yesterday who has text me to say someone they live with has had a positive test and they’ve woke up with a sore throat. How long do I leave it before doing a LFT? Is doing one a day after too soon ? I know they say only do one before symptoms begin and I would rather know sooner than just waiting to see as I have a baby.

Thanks

Surely they need to get tested first
If they test and are positive then you need to isolate for 10 days.

@dementedpixie she’s gone to get tested today results are going to be 2-3 days I think but I have LFT at home but don’t want to waste them incase I’m doing them to early

LFTs are a bit rubbish anyway with a high false negative rate

I have a baby too and always worry about her getting covid from me. I have been in a similar situation to you. I tested on day 3,4,5,6 and7! with lfts.

@2boysand1princess it’s horrible isn’t it! We had it back in December when she was 7 weeks old and I have only just started feeling some kind of normal again now after months and months of pain. Dreading catching it again! Was all ok for you?

We had covid in the house (eldest DS) back in December. He was fine and thankfully no one else caught it. He did wear a mask throughout and so did we whenever we went to check on him etc. He is sensible and tried his best not to exposes his sibling to it. No one else caught it!
I know from experience that you can get a positive lft on day 4/5 after exposure (sister got it from work during a meeting)
So far baby hasn’t caught it and I haven’t tested positive when other family members have had it. If baby ever gets it then will be most likely from youngest ds as he doesn’t and can’t social distance from the baby.
Have you been vaccinated? Apparently if you get it then viral shedding is lower meaning you are less likely to pass on to others (fingers crossed)

Why not do one now and in a couple of days? The tests are free, no need to ration them.

We got 4 boxes of 7 tests free from our local pharmacy. DP went in and asked - it was very easy really to obtain them.

Ds2 tested positive on a LFT on Friday night everyone else was negative, dd tested positive yesterday and I've tested positive today. Dh still negative today although feels a bit off and ds1 hasn't done another test yet as we're waiting for them to be delivered.