Parents want me to do and kids to do covid test before visiting

[Needarest22]

AIBU for being a bit put out by this?
My brother is also visiting and he's really cautious about covid so it could be driven by him. There is no talk of them doing one.
AIBU to be a bit miffed?

Mmm, I think some people seriously overestimate how much testing others are doing, shall we say.

In answer to the OP, if they are particularly concerned and have identified you and yours but nobody else as the likely disease carriers here, I don't think I'd go. Reason being that if they do end up getting ill with anything at all, they're liable to blame you for it. It's not so much the covid test that's the issue as the general attitude surrounding it.

@Needarest22

I'm in day four of a horrendous virus which is similar to covid but actually I think I feel worse with this to be honest.

Having to covid test is all good but there are still other really nasty bugs around

Mmm, why would people lie?

Friends/colleagues who are epidemiologists often say that nothing helps you understand the spread of infectious diseases better than when you're the parent of young children…

Which people?

The people I was referring to. Why would they say they don't test if they do?

Because my dad had covid they postponed his very much needed surgery, he is now disabled for the rest of his life.

What's you're exact problem here? Because it sounds like your ego is the problem, not the very understandable request to do a teeny tiny cheapo test.

I don’t see why this is an issue for some people. Surely it gives a nice feeling to protect others. I would also be happy to wear a mask if I knew it would protect them.

I think you may have misunderstood my post? I said some people are overestimating the amount others are doing, ie that I think the person who doesn't understand why anyone doesn't test when they're meeting others is out of step.

Oh my bad. Yes I don't think many are testing at all anymore. I've not had tests for getting on for 12 months

Quite right, there are PCR tests available for all kinds of infections. I don't think many people were aware of such things until the pandemic – I was, but only because DD2 makes them (or did until about 3 weeks ago)!

@Needarest22 I think your parents are probably a little over-the top if they aren't especially vulnerable, but on the other hand if that's a condition of having visitors into their home, you have the choice between taking a test or not going. So often on MN you see 'their house, their rules' I'm surprised more posters haven't taken that line tbh. I do think that should apply to your DB too, though.

Yep the different attitudes is the red flag here.

There’s so many illnesses going around - flu is particularly awful this year. If they are that worried then they should just not see you.

It’s a choice we all make based on our circumstances. If the kids have zero symptoms a Covid test is unlikely to throw up anything. You could by all means do a Covid test and then be harbouring Norovirus, flu, any other nasty bug. We can’t test for everything.

My family all agreed to do this before a family party last December. No one had COVID afterwards. I don’t think it’s a terrible idea to do it before mixing though they are not terribly reliable. Though your DB should be made to do one too.

Tests are £2 at Tesco and it would mean everyone can relax and enjoy there time together

In answer to the OP, if they are particularly concerned and have identified you and yours but nobody else as the likely disease carriers here, I don't think I'd go. Reason being that if they do end up getting ill with anything at all, they're liable to blame you for it. It's not so much the covid test that's the issue as the general attitude surrounding it.

Yes I think you have articulated the crux of it.

That does not mean it is right just because you do not know anyone who does, people I know all test before visiting someone, it is just a courtesy as will I, no way would I want to be the factor causing others to get sick or hospitalised from covid.

You and the people who've told you this aren't the arbiters of what's right either, just so we're clear on that one.

My concern also is that the tests are not failsafe and so we could quite easily pass on a strain of covid or a flu or a cough. Perhaps it's better we don't go at all.

But where will it end? What else do we need to test for before being in a group? If you're ill don't meet people. It's pretty simple really. I grew up not testing and living in fear when I was little and thankfully the world is going back to normal now and my kids will be able to do that too.

Oh ffs, it's a tiny cotton bud. Do a test & put there kinda at rest.
Jeezo

Unlikely? So still better than not knowing at all because a test hasn't been done?

Interesting, 3/4 times my DC tested positive (3 confirmed via PCR) they had no symptoms at all. Neither did i or DP. Same with a lot of people i know. Strange.

I actually can't believe the absolute scummy people on here suggesting lying to elderly family.

Disgusting, as for distressing having a test, it bloody isn't, even for kids, especially for kids, every bloody kid sticks their fingers up their nose - & that's a damm sight bigger than a wee cotton bud.

Covid is on the rise & even thought it's not as life threatening- people are still getting very ill.

It's a TINY a thing to do for people you love, and lying is despicable

We have been advised to ask our family to test so DH can attend Christmas. I have been instructed to wear a mask in public again so I don’t have to rest every time I enter our home. Covid is still very much a concern for some segments of the population.

I wouldn’t mind but one of sons can’t do one without getting very upset so it would be a no on his behalf.

that said being negative on covid does not mean you’re negative for the thousand other nasty bugs around at present. I seem to have had close to a whole set this year and in my case covid was by far the least nasty.