Isolation guidance

[mac1974]

Hoping someone can give some advice re the current Covid guidance. I started with a cold last mon & by weds I had lost taste & smell. Feeling okay overall just congested & a bit snotty. I'm due to see a vulnerable relative tomorrow so did a test earlier today a a precaution which is v faintly positive. Guidance is to avoid people for 5 days from positive test however, I'm wondering if my 5 days should start from weds which was when my first symptom appeared?
I'll probably test tomorrow but my symptoms were definitely stronger earlier in the week than they are today.

If they are vulnerable and you are still positive then I would stay away from them.

If you have COVID-19, you can pass on the virus to other people for up to 10 days from when your infection starts. Many people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days.

You should:

• try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days
• avoiding meeting people at higher risk from COVID-19 for 10 days, especially if their immune system means they’re at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, even if they’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/ from here

I'm not going to go tomorrow as I think for vulnerable people it's 10 days anyway I was just wondering if I should start my count from weds rather than today.

I would start from symptoms I think. Starting from the test date would be for those who had no symptoms and tested positive.

@dementedpixie thanks. That's what I was thinking too just wanted to sense check my thought process.

I'm classed as vulnerable.
I'd prefer to be told so I could make a decision whether I still wanted to see you.
If it is someone who might find it hard to say no, then you can make the decision and just not go - always better to be on the safe side of things when it comes to someone's health.

@Abraxan yes definitely
I've spoken to them today & told them. I absolutely wouldn't make a decision like this on their behalf.