Isolation Period & Christmas

[overthinkingornot]

Ok so woke up Sunday with a sore throat. DP had tonsillitis 3 weeks ago and DSD Strep A 2 weeks ago so thought not much of it. Come Monday I lost my voice and did have a slight cough but it was more a cough to clear my throat. Called Drs as I have a history of pleurisy so was slightly worried about anything moving to my chest and agreed likely viral and if continued come Thursday/got worse then call back for antibiotics.

Fever Monday/Tuesday and then aside from limited voice and slight cough again when clearing throat, felt ok. Still able to do what's needed in the house etc. Today doing a clean and found 2 Covid tests - thought I'd give it ago and lo behold it's positive.

Now online is saying it's isolation 5 days since symptoms started or 5 days from positive test. My symptoms started Sunday so does that mean technically I don't need to isolate? Or do I? We are supposed to be having a small family Christmas after an absolute horrific year and I'm so worried I've ruined it. I am also worried I was stupid to not associate the sore throat to Covid at the start of the week otherwise I wouldn't have gone out etc. but then the doctor didn't even mention it was possible covid! Honestly thought it was just the flu/cold that's going round.

Someone please help me work out if I've ruining our Christmas or not.

5 days since symptoms started, if you want peace of mind you can buy some LFDs and test on days 5 and 6 since symptoms started.

I'd be upfront with any guests though, just in case anyone is immunocompromised.

Just need to stay away from people for the first 3 days and use a face covering when you go out, no requirement to isolate but it being the season of goodwill, no one wants your covid 😉

Don't worry about what's already happened, you didn't know!

@Timeforabiscuit Thank you! I think I've just suddenly got overly stressed about it and couldn't think right about dates as last thing I want to do is knowingly pass it on. We've no where to go tomorrow so will stay in then and use the last test Christmas morning to sway if we do visit in-laws or not (they have no health concerns and fairly young!).

After avoiding it for so long was only a matter of time it got me! Since read more threads on here to see sore throat seems to be a common symptom this time round for it

My symptoms started on Saturday but didn’t test until Monday morning as I just thought it was a normal virus. I’ve had a really sore throat for 3/4 days but that’s disappeared today. No other symptoms other than fatigue. Now I have a bit of congestion/dry cough and I think my sense of smell is compromised. Feeling very low today as I also have family over on Xmas eve for a few days and I also feel it’s ruined. First time for me and I’m the last one in my whole family to get it! But the plus is that none of my family are bothered about coming. Just worried it’s not going to clear in time and I might get worse again, as that’s what some people say! I haven’t had a fever at all. Merry Xmas x

We also have a similar dilemma.

Don't forget the first day of symptoms is counted as day 0

@Tolacar

Are you referring to the new strain re people getting ill again? I'm day 4 my symptoms starterd late Sunday night, definitely Monday am.

I've not felt too bad at all compared to last time but I'm not feeling in the clear.

Can you tell me what new info is ?

This time I felt a little achy, a little sniffle...a teeny sore throat...and very tried but not bed bound.

Is there a chance do you think that it's actually settling in for the real attack or could I be over the worst!