Persistent cough but negative

[Pimpleonanelephant]

Colleague is still coming into the office while having an (unusual for them) persistent cough - coughing every few minutes. They’ve tested negative with LFTs every day this week.

Another colleague has Covid and was only in the office on Tuesday.

What’s the likelihood of colleague still attending work at the office having covid? If you’ve recently had omicron have you had a persistent cough? Is it still a common symptom?

With that symptom they should be taking a PCR test

@dementedpixie - I agree but they’re relying on LFTs.

My children never had a positive LFT, but positive PCR's.

I mean it really depends. Coughs can be caused by so many other viruses and often not even viruses. They should have got a pcr though. Coughs are rife.

we all had coughs and negative pcrs in November. Mine was nasty, coughing non stop. In December we actually got covid with minimal coughing!!

Half my department are working from home with a nasty cough/ cold that tests negative on both lateral flow and pcr. There are other bugs ciculating besides Covid. Colleague should do a pcr to check though.

They need a PCR but I have had a persistent cough for four weeks. (Plus negative PCR)

They really should be getting a PCR.

At a pre Christmas get together one of our friends had a new cough but had tested negative on her lateral flow. The next day her lateral flow was positive, along with several other friends over the next few days, followed by the rest of their households. Cue lots of cancelled Christmas plans.

Your workplace is negligent for not following the rules.

Thanks all for replying. I suppose I’m asking a question that can’t be answered definitely, and also looking for reassurance.