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Original poster

Please help, I'm panicking :-(

40 replies

sadpapercourtesan · 26/12/2021 12:42

I have my CEV 81yo father staying for Christmas, and his partner due to arrive tomorrow, they're supposed to be travelling home together on the 31st (it's 250 miles)

We all tested repeatedly before Dad arrived, reduced contacts etc.

I've woken up this morning with a sore throat and blocked sinuses, done a lateral flow and it's a really clear immediate positive.

I'm terrified I may already have given it to Dad, obviously, but what do I do now? Isolate upstairs? Tell Dad's partner she can't come? Sorry, I'm flapping (I'm CV as well and quite scared)

OP posts:
Mamamia7962 · 26/12/2021 12:51

If you have symptoms then you need to do a PCR test not a lateral flow test.

Satsumay · 26/12/2021 12:56

You've done the right thing doing a lateral flow test. So sorry it's positive but false positives are very rare especially if you have symptoms. You can worry about getting the confirmatory PCR later.

For now I would tell his partner not to visit. I would suggest your dad does a lateral flow and if negative leaves, but if that's difficult then you isolating is your best bet. Is there anyone else there who can help you?

It is difficult not to panic but if everyone is fully vaccinated then you've every reason not to be scared. Most people in their 80s are also ok. Most are ok with it. Good luck OP.

PurpleDaisies · 26/12/2021 13:02

I would tell her to come and take your dad home. The longer he’s in your house, the more likely he is to catch something from you. Even if it’s not covid, you don’t sounds well. Flowers

PurpleDaisies · 26/12/2021 13:03

Actually, what dues your dad think?

Cici22 · 26/12/2021 13:04

@Mamamia7962

If you have symptoms then you need to do a PCR test not a lateral flow test.
You can do both! She's done the right thing now she needs to get a PCR.
ChudraWouldaShouldya · 26/12/2021 13:05

@Mamamia7962

If you have symptoms then you need to do a PCR test not a lateral flow test.
Helpful 🧐

Whilst you do need a PCR I understand it’s not the first thing on your mind. Have you spoken to your dad?

Mamamia7962 · 26/12/2021 13:11

All the websites I have looked at say don't take a lft if you have symptoms.

aremyfeelingswrong · 26/12/2021 13:13

Could your Dad leave the house now and go home/ wait somewhere to be picked up by partner? Definitely isolate upstairs from now. He may not have caught it yet.

R0tational · 26/12/2021 13:16

What harm does it do, mamamia?

What has happened has happened OP. It's OK and its not your fault. Get your dad home and relax. He will likely be OK even if he has got it.

oneglassandpuzzled · 26/12/2021 13:16

@Mamamia7962

All the websites I have looked at say don't take a lft if you have symptoms.
That’s not because LFTs don’t work on symptomatic cases.
Original poster
sadpapercourtesan · 26/12/2021 13:16

We are all booking PCR tests now - the lateral flow tests were already here ready, though, so we thought it wasn't a bad idea to use them. All four of us are positive now, so it seems unlikely they're all false Sad

OP posts:
LIZS · 26/12/2021 13:19

Does the four include your df? If he is + put off his partner and keep him until for the week. Otherwise can he get home?

Jjjayfee · 26/12/2021 13:31

Try not to panic. Our family have had it and it is like mild flu so far. I am keeping windows open to try and reduce the viral load. This virus is the second most contagious in the world apparently, so don't blame yourself.

Original poster
sadpapercourtesan · 26/12/2021 13:46

Thanks for the reassurance, I don't usually go to pieces Blush I'm the only one with symptoms at the moment. Dad's test is positive as well so he'll need to stay with us. Trying to get hold of his partner to tell her not to come.

OP posts:
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 26/12/2021 13:50

@Mamamia7962

If you have symptoms then you need to do a PCR test not a lateral flow test.
As someone with permanent cold symptoms and a persistent cough I would do an LFT before getting a PCR. I can't PCR every time I cough or blow my nose so what other option is there?

OP I hope you're soon feeling better and your DF is ok

Ohsofedupwiththis · 26/12/2021 13:54

It may even have been your DF who brought it into the house and he is completely asymptomatic?

I hope you all away well.

Whilst technically you should always get a PCR when symptomatic, I doubt there would be many of us who wouldn't do a LFT especially when we have them readily available to us.

You have done everything right. So just concentrate on looking after each other Flowers

Howshouldibehave · 26/12/2021 13:56

@Mamamia7962

If you have symptoms then you need to do a PCR test not a lateral flow test.
What an unhelpful reply! She hasn’t got one of the main 3 symptoms that the NHS say qualify anyway.

If you have a positive LFD test-you are almost certainly positive.

CJat10 · 26/12/2021 14:01

Same story here. Everyone LFT...one positive now. 2 CEV present and I'm not happy or relaxed anymore

3catsandcounting · 26/12/2021 14:05

Of course LFTs work on symptomatic cases! My adult DD has had Covid twice this year, both confirmed by LFTs on the onset of symptoms.

PurpleDaisies · 26/12/2021 14:23

People have got mixed up with “LFTs don’t work with symptoms” for “lfts should not be used to rule out covid if you have symptoms”.

Onehotmessiah · 26/12/2021 14:37

@PurpleDaisies

People have got mixed up with “LFTs don’t work with symptoms” for “lfts should not be used to rule out covid if you have symptoms”.
Spot on!
Fritilleries · 26/12/2021 14:56

Mild illness in the vast majority of people. Make a cuppa and try to relax.

Siuan · 26/12/2021 14:59

@PurpleDaisies

People have got mixed up with “LFTs don’t work with symptoms” for “lfts should not be used to rule out covid if you have symptoms”.
Absolutely. The main symptoms of covid have changed, first with Delta and even more with Omicron. The government seem reluctant to change the criteria for PCR. LFTs are useful for regular monitoring for work and social gatherings. Also if you are unwell but not with the three classic symptoms. They are very good at picking up when you are most infectious which is why doing them daily in high risk situations is useful.

I had covid in the summer and started with a mild headache. Did a LFT on day 3 and it was an instant positive, confirmed by pcr. By the time I lost my T&S I was on day 5 so could have been merrily spreading it for 2 more days.

OP At least you all have it together and you can look after your DF.

LittleBabyCheeses · 26/12/2021 15:04

@PurpleDaisies

People have got mixed up with “LFTs don’t work with symptoms” for “lfts should not be used to rule out covid if you have symptoms”.
Definitely. I have covid. Had a PCR. Also took daily LFT’s out of interest. On the day of my positive PCR, I got an almost immediate positive on an LFT. Days 2 and 3 the test line came up before my control line… very positive. Day 4 a slightly fainter line that took longer to appear. Day 5… barely a line at all, just a shadow. Days 6 and 7… negative. While they can’t be relied on to rule out covid if you have symptoms, they are a very useful tool, whether you have symptoms or not.
Feelingoktoday · 26/12/2021 15:10

I thought the govt was now advising not to worry about getting a pcr if you have a positive LFT and symptoms. You have Covid what else is there to prove. Has your father had Covid? I wouldn’t panic. I didn’t get Covid when my partner got it (I had to do an immunity test and have never had Covid).

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