New cough within 90 days of a previous infection

[RaisinFlapjack]

I had very mild covid last month, recovered and I am coughing my lungs up again today.

As I understand it you’re not supposed to re-test within 90 days of a previous infection. So do I just leave it and assume this new cough is something else? I am a bit confused!

I caught what I presume was a cold within 90 days of Covid. It came with a hacking cough! During Covid, I didn't have a cough.

I did a LFT, knowing full well I had symptoms and had had Covid less than 90 days previously, knowing it may come up positive still. The test was negative.

I don't think there's much you can do but assume it's a cold, take usual precautions (so I didn't see my parents in their 70s). It's unusual - not impossible - to contract CV again within 90 days.

.gov.uk is clear - you shouldn't routinely test with a PCR for 90 days after a confirmed infection, however if you develop new symptoms, eg your current new cough, then you MUST get a new PCR test.

Actually the guidance has just been changed, they now say if new symptoms get a PCR even if within 90 days!!

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

“ If you have previously received a positive COVID-19 PCR test result, you are not usually advised to be re-tested within 90 days of this result. However, you should have a PCR test within 90 days of a previous positive PCR test if:

you develop any new symptoms of COVID-19
you are a close contact of someone who has been identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19
you are required to take a PCR test upon entry into the UK
If you are tested within 90 days of a positive PCR test result for any of these 3 reasons, and the PCR test result is positive, you must stay at home, self-isolate and follow the steps in this guidance again.”

Ah thanks! Very helpful!

Has this just changed due to Omicron or did I misunderstand the guidance before?

Anyway, looks like it’s another PCR test for me…sigh!

It’s due to omicron

Thanks! Bad timing to get another cough! Fingers crossed I’m negative, will be a bit gutted if I have to isolate again!

So they've updated the guidelines so thay anyone who has just had covid and travels will Now automatically get 10 days quarantine on return since they have to PcR and will still be positive. And yet they are the least likely to catch it, as they've just had it and antibodies will be high.

Ah, didn't know it had been updated. Good luck OP.