I'm sure I can avoid this by willpower alone

[JohnSmithDrive]

I have an annoying tickly cough. I'm sure if I refuse to let myself cough out loud it doesn't really count as a cough, right?

Aw bless. Wishing you health. Maybe it is a piece of crisp?

It could be cat fur
The amount of times I’ve told DD don’t you dare cough at school

There are still coughs and colds going round...

Do a test anyway . Most cases are mild so might be able yo get away with having just had a tickly cough and then don't need to worry about catching it!

My 6 year old son has had a hacking cough for a week now, it’s still not covid.

Do a test unless you don't mind infecting those who you are spending Christmas Day with it. I did one without any symptoms on Monday and it was positive . If it's any comfort, the cough that I have isn't like a tickly cough- more like a cough cough (if that explains anything). I'm sure you'll be fine!

We have all had coughs and colds recently, only one of the kids had covid and he had no symptoms at all :)

Sorry to hear that OP. Sadly my DH had a slight tickle and tested positive, it didn't even develop into much more than that!

Coughing is now an offence in our house, and anyone who sneezes more than once gets sent to their room.