What's the longest time between developing symptoms and getting your first positive lateral flow test?

[ColdorCovid]

I've got cold-like symptoms at a time when COVID is absolutely rife so suspect it may be COVID. I got the first inkling of an infection on Monday (bit of a sore throat) which had turned into a streaming cold by Wednesday. However, I've tested negative on lateral flow tests everyday. Should I keep doing them or am I wasting tests at this point? What's the longest you've had between developing symptoms and testing positive on a lateral flow test?

@SeaGlassBlue

My symptoms started on the Friday but I didn't test positive on an LFT until the Tuesday. Took a PCR on the Monday and that was positive, despite that day's LFT being negative.

How did you organise a PCR I've logged onto nhs website n it says they've stopped.

@lightnesspixie

Should we be trying to get PCRs

You can't if you're in England. Well I assume you could pay for one if you're really bothered but not showing up on a LFT means that if you do have it you have a relatively low viral load and are therefore likely to be less infectious.

Longest was 6 days for me, 5 days of feeling horrendous and a negative test every day until the 6th.

It took us all over a week last month. DD was actually unwell for ten days before she tested positive.

@TypicaIMe

It took us all over a week last month. DD was actually unwell for ten days before she tested positive.

No wonder we are all spreading it then so many unwell for days before knowing we are positive

@lightnesspixie DH and I were pretty much able to stay at home (we've all had it before so we were pretty sure of the symptoms) but DD is a teacher and her school made her come in anyway, despite being symptomatic, until she tested positive. It's the same for all staff and all pupils, and suprise surprise, it's absolutely rife there. They also insisted she go back in on day six, positive or not (as it was she went negative on day six).

Personal responsibility is great - as long as people are actually allowed to take it.

It took about 5 days for me. Mild symptoms at first - felt like a cold was coming so I took First Defence on the Wed, then did LFT on Thursday which was negative. By Sat night I was shivering, but had a fever. Tested positive Sun morning. Been positive for 8 days straight now, but feeling much beer so hoping I'll be negative soon!

I had covid a month ago. My lft was never positive, only a pcr