Do I need LFT or PCR? I'm so confused!

[FTM8987]

I've just posted something similar to this on another forum, but thought this might be the best place for it!

I’ve come down with a horrible cold, streaming nose and sore throat, the first I’ve had in 3 years - and am feeling rotten.

I did a lateral flow test earlier and it was negative - my temperature was also normal.

Someone suggested that I should get a PCR test, but when I filled in the form on the gov.uk site, it said I wasn't eligible, because I don't have a continuous cough, loss of taste/smell or a temp.

So what should I do - is a LFT enough in my situation or do I need a PCR? And if the latter, should I just lie and pretend I have those symptoms on the gov.uk site, even though I actually don't?

Thanks!!

I’d lie and get pcr personally. Feel well soon!

Lie on the government website and say you have the symptoms they want. Their list is hopelessly out of date. Runny nose is a top symptom of covid in the vaccinated population.

Lots of LFT are returning neg result and a PCR then returns a position I'd definitely get a PCR.
That said though, there is an absolute stinker of a cold doing the rounds at the moment.

Okay thanks - I'm just a bit confused as lateral flow tests do sound very accurate?

www.qmul.ac.uk/media/news/2021/smd/lateral-flow-tests-are-95-effective-at-detecting-covid-19-when-used-at-the-onset-of-symptoms.html

I'd lie, my Dd didn't have the traditional symptoms until 2 days in.

@FTM8987 apparently LTFs are only for symptomless testing

They are not accurate, both Dh and I did lateral flows, Dh was negative, the next day he had a pcr which was positive. I did a pcr a couple of days later, the same morning I also did a lateral flow. Lat flow was negative, my pcr was positive.

Join the Zoe app. It will tell you to get tested so you don’t have to lie.

I'm surprised the 'main symptoms' that qualify for a PCR haven't changed. We're hearing about loads of cases that don't have those three symptoms but instead a sore throat, headache etc.

Hope you feel better soon.

There's loads of colds going round.

Close relative had classic symptoms. She did 6 lateral flow tests. All negative. She went to get her second vaccine and they tested her. She was positive on the PCR.

I'm in exactly the same position as you OP.
Started with it Sat night. I've got sore throat that's also tickly, a runny nose and I ache like mad.

LFT negative but I don't know if I should have a PCR to be sure 🤷‍♀️

@Washeduponthebeach

Close relative had classic symptoms. She did 6 lateral flow tests. All negative. She went to get her second vaccine and they tested her. She was positive on the PCR.

Why on Earth was she going about her normal business with classic symptoms? She should have booked a pcr and isolated straightaway. It’s been well publicised that lateral flows are not for people with symptoms 🙄🙄🙄🙄

Well she thought she must be negative since it kept coming up as negative.

They changed it last week, you can order a pcr without any of the 3 main symptoms, the website still asks about symptoms but doesn't stop you ordering if you haven't get them.

I was able to test today despite having no symptoms when booking. My son does have symptoms though if that's what swayed it. His positive and fine. I'm negative on LFT and feel horrible

but doesn't stop you ordering if you haven't get them.

That’s strange - it did with me!

I’ve now ticked yes to having those three symptoms and have ordered tests for me and DH.

Does anyone know how long it takes from ordering (on a Sunday) to getting the results?

Also I feel bad about lying but not sure what else to do

Also… do I now need to self isolate even though I don’t have the three symptoms listed on the website and it could very well just be a common cold?!

@FTM8987

Also… do I now need to self isolate even though I don’t have the three symptoms listed on the website and it could very well just be a common cold?!

Technically no. If you must go out, wear a mask and minimise indoor contact.

@Washeduponthebeach

Well she thought she must be negative since it kept coming up as negative.

Pcr for symptoms though! Fgs

I’ve got a streaming cold and my lft says negative so I’m going with that. If I knew I’d been into contact with someone positive I’d get a pcr like a shot but I haven’t to my knowledge.
I think on balance it’s prob best to have one but I have done dozens and they’ve all come back negative and I have no reason to think this latest cold is any different.

@Frazzled2207 oh no, do you think I should have just stuck with the LFT results? I have a lot of stuff planned for this week and am upset that I now need to put it all on hold when I don’t even have any of the symptoms listed on the gov.uk site!!

You don't have to put your plans on hold if you don't have Covid symptoms. Which you don't. Other people may say you do but you don't have the symptoms as set out in the guidance. You may choose to be extra cautious but that's a personal decision.

[quote FTM8987]@Frazzled2207 oh no, do you think I should have just stuck with the LFT results? I have a lot of stuff planned for this week and am upset that I now need to put it all on hold when I don’t even have any of the symptoms listed on the gov.uk site!![/quote]
No I think you’ve probably done the right thing but it’s probably a cold. I’d be wearing a mask but otherwise carrying on as normal.