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Self diagnosing colds as a cold and not covid and not testing

82 replies

BlondieD · 02/12/2021 23:25

I'm fuming at my partner. He works in a bar so he's at an increases risk of a covid exposure through his work because of sealing with the public.

Basically he did something idiotic back in October. He has some symptoms of illness/colds including cough. He refused to isolate and test. I came down with the same dose as him back in October and because I had symptoms, I had to isolate and test and thankfully it did actually come back as covid not detected and the cold I had did clesr in a few days. So we got lucky, just that one time, that it wasn't covid.

So yesterday he decided to take me out for breakfast and he didn't tell me until I was sitting in his car with seat belt on that he feels a cold coming on. I observed him over breakfast and it was mild. There was no cough so I was somewhat at ease. It was more sinus related. I was chatting with him today and whatever he had yesterday, has progressed into a more heavier headcold - sinus drip, sore throat. He says he's OK. He doesn't own a thermometer so he can't check fever.

I suggested an antigen test for him and he doesn't want to do a him test. I suggested booking a pcr but he doesn't want to do that either. Basically he's going to be continuing on as normal and not only that his employer will allow him to go into work with symptoms and not test fmand basically putting others and customers at risk.

I'm horrified that all public health guidelines are being ignored by my partner and not only that also from his employer. What if it progresses over the night or the next few more days and what if it is covid - he's passing it around to all and sundry without a care in the world. Needless to say I will be avoiding him and seriously considering a dump.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 02/12/2021 23:28

Technically, he doesn’t have any of the symptoms that you have to isolate and test for. Is he worried about not getting paid?

BlondieD · 02/12/2021 23:29

Not so much about not getting paid. I think there's a sickness illness covid pandemic in that situation. The pub is short staffed. That's the only reason.

OP posts:
BlondieD · 02/12/2021 23:30

My understanding is that covid can start off mild like a cold.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 02/12/2021 23:31

It’s difficult. Blame the government for not updating the symptoms list.

PurpleDaisies · 02/12/2021 23:32

@BlondieD

My understanding is that covid can start off mild like a cold.
It can, and obviously it would be better to test.

This is still what the nhs says though…

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/main-symptoms/

HeatingOnHeatingOff · 02/12/2021 23:34

I was in a pub yesterday for lunch and one of the bar staff had her daughter there who was about 10.

The girl was helping bringing food out etc and he mum piped up that her daughter was off school because she had a cough and as her daughter wouldn’t have the test done then she couldn’t go into school.

I know it’s just a cold she says!

There are people like this everywhere

BlondieD · 02/12/2021 23:39

It's leaving me in a difficult position yet again in that if his dose is covid, we won't know that it is or not, I might be considered a close contact but it will be unknown too. Its not fair. I have three vulnerable people in my life and I don't want to put them in harm.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 02/12/2021 23:40

All you can do is test yourself. It’s understandable you’re concerned.

You sound like you’ve got quite a different outlook on life. Are you sure you’re compatible?

gogohm · 02/12/2021 23:41

I've had covid and had (many) colds - they don't feel the same.

frasersmummy · 02/12/2021 23:44

The world is definitely divided over covid. I have friends listening to nicola sturgeon and testing every time they go out the door

I have other friends who are just back to normal...have a cold get on with life.

I think if this new variant turns out to be a storm in a teacup then more people will join the 2nd group

PurpleDaisies · 02/12/2021 23:44

@gogohm

I've had covid and had (many) colds - they don't feel the same.
Mine and dh’s did. We only knew if was covid from lfts. Classic covid symptoms only really came later (loss of smell at day 5ish).
GreenLunchBox · 02/12/2021 23:45

@HeatingOnHeatingOff

I was in a pub yesterday for lunch and one of the bar staff had her daughter there who was about 10.

The girl was helping bringing food out etc and he mum piped up that her daughter was off school because she had a cough and as her daughter wouldn’t have the test done then she couldn’t go into school.

I know it’s just a cold she says!

There are people like this everywhere

That's hilarious

Why didnt you leave?

HeatingOnHeatingOff · 02/12/2021 23:47

She said this as we were just paying the bill!

sleepwouldbenice · 03/12/2021 00:00

1/3 of cases that seem like a cold are covid according to the zoe study review posted today

WarriorN · 03/12/2021 05:57

I know of 3 cases now in my school where teachers came in with a cold that was Covid. Lft hadn't picked up till after symptoms started.

It also happened in my sons school and most of tbe class were then found to be infected.

But there are a huge number of colds around too.

Tabbydancer · 03/12/2021 07:00

@BlondieD

It's leaving me in a difficult position yet again in that if his dose is covid, we won't know that it is or not, I might be considered a close contact but it will be unknown too. Its not fair. I have three vulnerable people in my life and I don't want to put them in harm.
He does not sound considerate of you at all if he knows you have vulnerable people in your life and yet refuses to test. If you dont live together I suggest not sweibg him for 10 days
Bagelsandbrie · 03/12/2021 07:05

Not the most helpful comment I know but where we live (Norfolk) I don’t know anyone who’s testing anymore. Everyone’s just stopped. I think that’s why our covid figures look so low compared to other areas - no one is actually doing any tests anymore. (I have two dc, and a husband that works in a busy office - I’m in the clinically extremely vulnerable group and I do test us all / book tests if we have symptoms but I’m completely in the minority)!

Iggly · 03/12/2021 07:05

If he won’t do the sensible thing then you do. As a minimum stay away for ten days.

whyohwhyohwhyohwhywhy · 03/12/2021 07:10

I don't think he must test either. He doesn't have the gov symptoms.

He might choose to test but I'm not sure I would with a mild cold. I test enough anyway

Iggly · 03/12/2021 07:12

@whyohwhyohwhyohwhywhy

I don't think he must test either. He doesn't have the gov symptoms.

He might choose to test but I'm not sure I would with a mild cold. I test enough anyway

The out of date symptoms.
cookiemonster2468 · 03/12/2021 07:13

Do you live together?

If not, can't you just say you don't want to see him for 2 weeks or until he has had a negative test (whichever earliest)? Might make him think again about taking one?

cookiemonster2468 · 03/12/2021 07:14

@whyohwhyohwhyohwhywhy

I don't think he must test either. He doesn't have the gov symptoms.

He might choose to test but I'm not sure I would with a mild cold. I test enough anyway

Why wouldn't you though? It's not exactly a massive hardship to do a test Confused and could actually save people's lives.
Thegreencup · 03/12/2021 07:16

@Bagelsandbrie

Not the most helpful comment I know but where we live (Norfolk) I don’t know anyone who’s testing anymore. Everyone’s just stopped. I think that’s why our covid figures look so low compared to other areas - no one is actually doing any tests anymore. (I have two dc, and a husband that works in a busy office - I’m in the clinically extremely vulnerable group and I do test us all / book tests if we have symptoms but I’m completely in the minority)!
Definitely agree.

People have realised that if they test and get a positive, they need to take ten days off work, pull the kids out of school etc. Just don't test and you don't need to do it.

Bagelsandbrie · 03/12/2021 07:18

@Thegreencup yep that’s exactly it. We live in a low income area, people just can’t afford to keep having time off.

Dontforgetyourbrolly · 03/12/2021 07:23

I can see both sides
However , testing every 5 mins with an lft is actually pointless . I'll never be using those again , they never picked up our Covid .
Life unfortunately has to go on and the hospitality industry is already on its knees
With the latest omicron hysteria your partner is probably scared of losing his job . I think it's very easy for some people in different circumstances to shout Pcr test!

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