Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Is anyone paying for tests

23 replies

koalalala · 15/04/2022 15:44

I didn't stockpile tests before the free ones stopped. Shocking I know.

I've just used my second to last test on DS who has a terrible cough, a temperature and has also been sick a couple of times. It was negative.

I'm 20 weeks pregnant and have been asked to test before every appointment but in reality I don't think that's particularly proportionate (and it going to get expensive!)

What are people doing now that free tests are running out? I'm conscious that my mum who looks after DS is CEV (I'm due to work tomorrow hence testing now). However I can't go on testing DS every time he gets a cold without spending significant money on it all. He's 2 and he picks up bugs all the time!

I'm stuck between morally feeling I should test when poorly (me & DS) and selfishly thinking I don't want to spend lots of money!

How are others managing this?

OP posts:
VerifiedBot2351 · 15/04/2022 15:56

I’ve got piles of boxes of tests in my classroom because we kept being given them to give out to students, but so many students refused to take them. I suspect many schools are the same.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 15/04/2022 18:07

I did stockpile (I have severe hay fever and am basically a walking covid symptom in the summer!) but I ended up with boxes of the nose and throat ones and can't do my throat! Once the Flowflex ones run out I very much doubt I'll be paying for them.

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 15/04/2022 18:11

Once mine run out, if anyone wants me to test (for work, etc), they can provide them. Otherwise I’ll just be going on as I used to pre-Covid - staying at home if I feel unwell but otherwise just getting on with it.

DoggoInMyTesla · 15/04/2022 18:29

We are buying them, no choice really.

Lazypuppy · 15/04/2022 18:35

If somewhere wants me to test they can provide them. I'm pregnant and not being asked to test. Same as masks. Hospitals still want you to wear them so i get one from them when i go in

Cahliah · 15/04/2022 18:41

@PinkSparklyPussyCat

I did stockpile (I have severe hay fever and am basically a walking covid symptom in the summer!) but I ended up with boxes of the nose and throat ones and can't do my throat! Once the Flowflex ones run out I very much doubt I'll be paying for them.
It says in the leaflet you can swab both nostrils instead of one nostril+throat.
LadyCatStark · 15/04/2022 19:06

Of course you have a choice! We have a couple of boxes left but I won’t be spending a single penny on them sorry.

Tynetime · 15/04/2022 19:12

If you are desperate for one try asking on local Facebook page. I have spare and would always give one to someone in need.

Letmethinkidontknow · 15/04/2022 19:12

I support stopping unnecessary and constant testing with lateral flows but I’m surprised that PCRs also stopped. I for one would like to test before coming back to work next week and I can’t. I feel very tired and feel like I’m getting down with something. But I’m not going to pay for the test.

SerendipitySunshine · 15/04/2022 19:15

Yes, we pay for them. They arent as expensive as I thought, and it makes me feel better about visiting clinically vulnerable relatives.

Ohmygoshyoudontsay · 15/04/2022 19:15

Didn't test much when they were free. Not testing at all now you have to pay.

Abraxan · 15/04/2022 19:17

@PinkSparklyPussyCat

I did stockpile (I have severe hay fever and am basically a walking covid symptom in the summer!) but I ended up with boxes of the nose and throat ones and can't do my throat! Once the Flowflex ones run out I very much doubt I'll be paying for them.
You can still use those ones too. Just do bath nostrils instead of the throat. Work perfectly fine to do so. Was advised by the hospital to do this.
PinkSparklyPussyCat · 15/04/2022 19:17

@Cahliah thank you! I was in a hurry when I used one of the tests and must have missed that.

gamerchick · 15/04/2022 19:19

If someone wants me to test they can provide it. It's that simple really.

PinkSparklyPussyCat · 15/04/2022 19:19

Cross posted @Abraxan. I prefer the Flowflex ones as they are quicker but at least I now know I can use the others

YorkshireIndie · 15/04/2022 19:19

You can get them free online if you are having to test before an appointment

Northernlurker · 15/04/2022 19:22

Nope

user1471509171 · 15/04/2022 19:22

I will not pay to test for 5 days in a row with a cold incase we have Covid. But will pay to have a box or two at home incase one of us is very poorly just to know if its covid incase someone has complications afterwards.

Jules912 · 15/04/2022 19:24

I will when my small stockpile run out but probably only to visit a relative who is CEV. Work have dropped the requirement to test before coming into the office ( probably as they don't want to provide tests) but asked us to wfh if at all unwell.

Jules912 · 15/04/2022 19:26

@user1471509171

I will not pay to test for 5 days in a row with a cold incase we have Covid. But will pay to have a box or two at home incase one of us is very poorly just to know if its covid incase someone has complications afterwards.
I can't find it now but one of the recent Zoe study videos said the majority of people test positive on LFTs within the first 3 days, so after 3 days there limited value in repeat testing.
Waxonwaxoff0 · 15/04/2022 19:32

No. I haven't done a test since December. Not bothering any more. I'm certainly not paying for them when my energy bill is about to double.

PITA5000 · 16/04/2022 20:04

@PinkSparklyPussyCat
The directions for the tonsil tests offer as an alternative that you can swab both nostrils 10 seconds each. (This is for small children- but I imagine you could do it too)

Curlygirl06 · 16/04/2022 20:57

[quote PITA5000]@PinkSparklyPussyCat
The directions for the tonsil tests offer as an alternative that you can swab both nostrils 10 seconds each. (This is for small children- but I imagine you could do it too)[/quote]
I've always done that, it picked up that I was positive using that method.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page