Are people still testing

[Nugg]

My neighbour wfh and rarely goes out and has text to say she feels achy, headache, couldn't taste food last night or this morning.

She warned me as I've CEV but she's not going to test as she feels there's no point.

I've lost track of the rules anyway as I'm still required to LFT for work but wondered what people were doing generally

Yep and tested positive for the first time today, feel absolutely shocking.

this.

I’m still surprised how many “follow the rules” sticklers are still testing their kids, when the guidance is not to test under 18s except on medical advice. I’ve not tested mine since Christmas.

I tested for the first time in ages this week, in order to visit a friend in hospital. The hospital website said that visitors need to do a test, but they didn't check or even ask whether I'd done it.

No. Not is anyone I know. I would if I was visiting some vulnerable for my own peace of mind.

I tested DD when she had a fever for a few days, as it seemed best to rule it out before bothering the doctor given that when she did have it was the only time she'd had a fever that long before.

I am if I feel ill or visiting someone in hospital. I have loads of LFTs though so not sure I would if not readily available

Haven't tested since we had to start paying for them. Got too much else to pay for now. I can one lurpak for the price of LFT's

I only tested myself about 3 times, and then only if I had symptoms. Not done one since January.

I tested positive for the 4th time last week.

I tested because DH, our younger kids & I all felt really really unwell with several symptoms and we're positive although my older kids are negative.
The majority of times I've tested I've been positive, last time I tested was Easter and I was positive then too.

Nope. I would stay in if ill though.

Thanks everyone. As I have to test for work and am also CEV I get free tests fortunately.

I'm so pleased to see so many would test before meeting someone vulnerable, absolutely agree that the cost is off putting for many tho!

I am CEV and would get anti virals. I only test if I have symptoms or if I was seeing someone vulnerable.

Where my son works, they are experiencing an outbreak at the moment, lots of staff are off. They are supposed to be doing twice weekly tests, so that’s picked up a few cases, they are in manufacturing of hospital equipment. They still wear watches that bleep if someone is within 2 metres. My son has tested, negative fortunately. My other son, a salesman visited his work and was coughing and sneezing. My son stayed away from him. Next day he rang to tell them he tested positive, they were furious and told him how irresponsible he was, as he clearly had symptoms. They all tested the following day and were negative. We’ve all had it, but really don’t want it again, if we can help it.

I’ve tested today as I woke up feeling absolutely dreadful and have been around other peoples children and someone whose pregnant since Monday. It’s very faint but looks positive, first time since the start of the pandemic. Once we run out of free tests I won’t bother and just stay home if unwell.

I'm not testing. We have a box and a half of free ones left so I'd use one if I was visiting someone vulnerable but day to day; no. If I'm unwell I'll stay out of people's way!

This

I have purchased tests as I always test before visiting my mum in care home .

I also test after a day or so of symptoms and got my first positive this week. I was supposed to be going away with my friend for the weekend - friend is vulnerable so I'm glad I did the test .

I test if I feel unwell or if I’m going to someone’s house.

'I’m still surprised how many “follow the rules” sticklers are still testing their kids, when the guidance is not to test under 18s except on medical advice. I’ve not tested mine since Christmas.'

I'm a bit confused by this - are they sticklers for the rules if going beyond guidance?

OP, we test (inc kids) if seeing someone vulnerable, been a close contact or if have symptoms. Main reason is don't want to spread it and so if lucky enough to just have symptoms for a day or two and stuck to guidance, likely to pass it on.

Still testing 3ish times a week, but at the moment it's daily because DH was recently in close contact with someone who tested positive later that day and I'm feeling a bit ropey. Hoping to god it's not covid again, I only had it last four weeks ago and this would be my seventh time.

Is there a special reason you’re still testing 3 times a week? Was it ever the guidance to test so often if no symptoms?

I wonder if you’ve had it more than most people at 7 times or because you test so often you know about it?

if my questions sound sarky they’re not meant to, I’m genuinely curious.

Nope.

Ah sorry I should've said, I'm immunosuppressed. I inject an immunosuppressant drug weekly and have to be as sure as I can be I don't have covid when I do. DD is a teacher and DH works in a busy office (although he wfh a few days a week) so they're both always getting exposed to covid - rarely a week goes by without someone they work with testing positive!

The advice for me is to test regularly and if I have symptoms to test daily for five days. I'm also eligible for antivirals so the quicker I know I'm positive, the quicker that ball gets rolling.

I've had it so often because I'm immunosuppressed, I think. Certainly there have been occasions when I'm the only one in the house who has had it. I've had five jabs (just booked the sixth for next month) and although they don't seem to do much to stop me catching it, they do seem to help with the symptoms. Even before antivirals, I was never ill enough to need any intervention.

Thanks for explaining @0pheIiaBalls

It must be a worry for you xx

I would only test if I had obvious COVID symptoms and was planning to see vulnerable friends or family like my 97yo nan.