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!!

Having said that, I’m feeling worse than ever tonight, urrrgh

You can get one by ticking the Zoe study box or say you're a close contact, they don't check.

I had no cough or loss of smell until day 5 and never had a temperature it was exactly like a cold up to the loss of smell.

I’ve now got a headache and my ears feel bunged up like they need to pop.

FTM8987 I posted my test at 3pm one day and got the result by 2pm the next. DS and DH had roughly the same turn around from drive through. However, from posts on here it does vary a lot depending on area.

My sense of taste seems to have gone awol

Thanks Morvaan. Hopefully I’ll get mine back today!

@ladymuck111 sorry to hear that - it can happen with a common cold if you’re all congested!

Test came back negative!

Excellent!

I was exhausted all last weekend but was away so just carried on! Monday felt ok.
Tuesday a banging headache and absolutely exhausted did a LFT because I was going in to work on Wednesday (generally still WFH) it was positive so booked a PCR.

Results back this morning positive for COVID, other than the complete exhaustion and a few aches and pains it feels just like a cold so far, blocked, runny nose, cough but not continuously!

So in my opinion we should all be using the LFT's twice a week! I'm self isolating now until the 15th! Hopefully I don't get any worse - I am am double vaccinated!