Negative LFTs. Waiting for PCR results. Will have to cancel outpatient appointment.

[NotaMary]

I had what was most likely a nasty cold. Sore head, sneezing, runny nose, fatigue. Started Tuesday. On Friday did PCR. Still waiting for results and I’m feeling fine. I did yet another LFT last night and it’s negative, as were all the LFTs I’ve done since the symptoms started. I’m just so frustrated as I’ve a hospital outpatient appointment this afternoon and I’ve waited nearly 3 years for it. I also feel bad that I’m going to have to cancel a slot at such short notice and I doubt it can be reallocated when it’s for today. Just having a rant. I will follow the rules but it’s frustrating when ive multiple LFTs and feeling ok now.

You didn't have to do a PCR unless you had one of the covid symptoms though. Do you?

Or have the hospital insisted?

I did the PCR because I’ve been logging on to the Zoe Covid symptom study and they asked me to do it when I recorded symptoms.

Oh, then it’s just the Zoe app then and in now way means you have to stay at home until the answer is in does it?

I would go. Seriously. Wear a mask. And I am true covid police on the rules all the way through. You surely can’t miss it when all your lfts are negative?

If it was a Zoe test then you don't have to isolate as long as you didn't subsequently develop one of the "big three" symptoms.

Despite what they like to say, there are a billionty colds going around. (I know, my kid has caught every single one of them and not covid yet.)

When I had similar symptoms to you my ltfs were showing faint positives by day 2 (dh was more day 3) so if it's been nearly a week I would think they would show by now . Although I know occasionally ltfs dont show up all the way through . Can you chase up pcr today?

The Zoe one is just for their study though so I'd ignore that you are waiting for it. That's like an extra test outside what anyone else would do.

Phone the hospital and ask.

In my service, you'd be asked at reception if you were waiting on a PCR. If you were, and if the appointment was non-urgent, you'd be rebooked, so you'd have had a wasted trip. If it was urgent you'd be seen at the end of the day (which would mean you hanging around in your car) and seen with enhanced PPE.

Either way, the only one who can risk assess in your particular case is the hospital. So don't ask us. Ask them.

Thank you to you all. I chased up the test results (hasn’t realised you can do this) and a Negative test result was back within minutes. I appreciate all your help.