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Original poster

Been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID

54 replies

rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 19:54

I have been in contact with a family member who has tested positive for COVID.

I have a LFT test here at home. Should I take this test even though I am showing no symptoms? Or would I get a negative result?

In other words, should I wait until I am showing symptoms in order to get a more accurate result?

Have already ordered PCR tests for myself and DD from gov.uk website.

Just wondering if I should take the LFT first?

OP posts:
Nikita1709 · 15/12/2021 19:57

When did you see them? It takes a few days to get a positive result post-infection, even on a PCR.

Cookerhood · 15/12/2021 19:58

That's exactly what lateral flows are intended for. When were you with them? There's no point in testing immediately, it would take a couple of days for you to start shedding virus. Then if it's positive or you start getting symptoms, do the PCR.

VanCleefArpels · 15/12/2021 20:00

Read the gov.uk website FFS which sets out very clearly what you do after being in contact with someone depending on your vaccination status.

SpringheelJack · 15/12/2021 20:00

I don't see why you wouldn't take an LFT? As long as you understand that a negative result isn't reliable but a positive probably is, then it's worth a check? I can't remember what the rules are currently and whether you're supposed to isolate automatically for contact - but if not, a positive LFT might away things.

Lindy2 · 15/12/2021 20:03

DH has been in contact with Covid positive cases through his work.

He lateral flows daily for 10 days and takes a PCR midway through the 10 day period.

He already caught Covid in January through his job and the whole household went down with it then. This is just our daily life now.

Original poster
rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 20:04

@VanCleefArpels

Read the gov.uk website FFS which sets out very clearly what you do after being in contact with someone depending on your vaccination status.
No need for the FFS. Who rattled your cage? ConfusedHmm Chill out, please and thank you.
OP posts:
Kitkatchunkyplease · 15/12/2021 20:05

If you've got one then why not ?

Original poster
rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 20:05

@Nikita1709 saw them on Sunday. So it's Wednesday now so perhaps I can take the test after all. Just wondering if I should actually wait for symptoms as I don't want to waste the LFT as it's the only one I have and can't get out to get another one right now. Thanks for ur reply

OP posts:
Original poster
rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 20:06

@Cookerhood

That's exactly what lateral flows are intended for. When were you with them? There's no point in testing immediately, it would take a couple of days for you to start shedding virus. Then if it's positive or you start getting symptoms, do the PCR.
Saw them on Sunday. I think I might just take it, just to be safe. Thank u Smile
OP posts:
Original poster
rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 20:07

@Lindy2 tell me about it! Ok great, will take the LFT tomorrow, give it 4 full days since contact. Thanks Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 20:08

@Kitkatchunkyplease

If you've got one then why not ?
Just wondered if it may be too soon but pp's have confirmed the timeframe so will take it in the morning. Thanks Smile
OP posts:
wishing3 · 15/12/2021 20:09

Hi OP, you need to get some more lat flows as as a close contact you now need to take one every day for a week. Hope you’ve swerved it!

Kitkatchunkyplease · 15/12/2021 20:10

Hope you've not got it Smile

Original poster
rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 20:10

@wishing3

Hi OP, you need to get some more lat flows as as a close contact you now need to take one every day for a week. Hope you’ve swerved it!
Didn't know this! Shock thanks for this info, will order more for sure. Thanks
OP posts:
ChequerBoard · 15/12/2021 20:10

Getting more LFTs isn't easy though. I've been trying to order something today but the website just keeps crashing.

CrocodilesCry · 15/12/2021 20:11

You need to do a lateral flow every day for seven days regardless of your vaccination status:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/regular-rapid-coronavirus-tests-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms/

Original poster
rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 20:11

@Kitkatchunkyplease me too! Just before Xmas! Nightmare! Xmas Confused

OP posts:
Original poster
rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 20:11

[quote CrocodilesCry]You need to do a lateral flow every day for seven days regardless of your vaccination status:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/regular-rapid-coronavirus-tests-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms/[/quote]
Thanks for this link, gonna order some now.

OP posts:
Mixingvax · 15/12/2021 20:16

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at OP's request.

Original poster
rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 20:18

@Mixingvax ok, I will do it tonight instead then. Thank u Smile

OP posts:
VanCleefArpels · 15/12/2021 20:46

@rocky1914 sorry. Omicron has rattled my cage 😐. But really all the info anyone needs about these things is on gov website - I see someone has helpfully provided a link

Original poster
rocky1914 · 15/12/2021 20:50

[quote VanCleefArpels]@rocky1914 sorry. Omicron has rattled my cage 😐. But really all the info anyone needs about these things is on gov website - I see someone has helpfully provided a link[/quote]
No need to be sorry. I'm sorry to hear that Omicron has rattled your cage. I don't blame you. All of these new variants are stressful for everyone right now. If you mean that you have actually caught Omicron then I'm even more sorry to hear that and wishing you a speedy recovery.

OP posts:
AD80 · 15/12/2021 20:51

Dp was a close contact with someone with covid 2 weeks ago. He immediately starting doing lft's. He booked a pcr for 2 days after exposure which was negative. By day 3-4 after exposure he was positive. Blazing positive n lft despite having a negative pcr 24 hours before so it change fast. Pcr confirmed. You could literally go from negative to positive in 12 hours.

Lft's did not pick it up for DS but did pick it up for me and Dd before any symptoms.

So yeah do the lft and book a pcr. Then I'd be doing daily lft's if no symptoms, if you get symptoms do a pcr.

daisyducky · 15/12/2021 20:54

I've been trying to order lft for 24 hours. Website kept crashing but in my inbox there is an order confirmation! So check your in inbox

VanCleefArpels · 15/12/2021 20:59

Thanks @rocky1914 yes I’m not well 🤧 but no excuse for me to be short with you!