Cold + appointment tomorrow

[Pibolar]

Could someone tell me what the current guidance is (if any) on attending a doctors appointment with cold/flu/covid symptoms.

i have a really important appointment tomorrow with cmht that i have been waiting on for some time, it’s already been moved back by 3 months and if i don’t attend it will probably be another 3 months till i get another one and i really need it now.

i have a cold, as far as I’m aware it’s just a cold. I could be wrong as haven’t tested. (Don’t have the same symptoms as 2 x previous covid, but aware these may have changed) Haven’t been keeping up with covid news so no clue on what the rules are re health settings.

can anyone advise, many thanks

Test yourself! Don’t be selfish

Yes take a test and if it’s negative, go to your appointment and wear a mask just in case.

What advice would you expect the doctor to give you?
Stop wasting GP's time.

Please wear a mask (preferably FFP2 but make sure whatever it is that it fits tightly) whether or not it's covid (can't rely on LFT results in early days of symptoms anyway).

Tell your Dr you have symptoms - suggest they open windows to ventilate the room to protect them and following patients.

If you test positive, I suggest you phone them and explain and ask if they can fit you in/prioritise you for any cancellations - they should be grateful that you won't go in to infect everyone.

Not being selfish, hence why I was asking. Not a gp and not wasting their time.

thanks for your replies, I’ll get a test and dig out a mask. Wasn’t sure if still required to test if you had a cold so thanks for clearing that up. Good idea to ask about priority cancellations, will do.

For all of my many hospital appointments the letters and reminders state not to attend if you have any symptoms that could be Covid.

That’s helpful thank you. I’d taken a picture of date and time but nothing else. Paperwork packed up due to house move.

I'd go and wear a mask .

Whatever guidance is, I think it's about courtesy to others. Why would you risk making someone else ill for a week or so and possibly stop them from working, carrying out personal plans they had.

Great you're going to do a test. You could still wear a mask to reduce everyone catching whatever you've got.

Hope you feel better soon.

There is no requirement to test or isolate with symptoms unless you have a high temperature or feel unwell enough to not leave the house

What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19

You may be able to look after yourself at home if you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19.
Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either:

• have a high temperature
• do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities

You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.

If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.

@Iliketulips thank you.
even before covid i have always showed consideration to others, i would always let my clients know when i had something contagious and give them the choice whether they wanted me to bring my lurgies into their home. This situation was rock and hard place, either way people will be impacted negatively.

@dementedpixie
thanks, this is what i was after and couldn’t find it…. Probably due to having no sleep.

thanks everyone for your replies, it’s all done n dusted now. Hope you have a great weekend.