Flu V. Covid

[Callmepale]

I started losing my voice last Saturday and now that we're at Thursday I've had -

Cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and dizziness.

Since Sunday I have had 5 negative lateral flow tests and 0 positive.

I thought I was feeling a bit better earlier but I needed a nap after hanging the washing out!

Do you think it's flu?

I think it’s much more likely to be Covid considering current numbers & the fact you have the classic symptoms

are your LFTs old/faulty, are you swabbing correctly?

Covid: Sore throat now top symptom that could be the virus

Why does it matter? First of all, just stop testing!
If you feel unwell, then stay at home and rest.
If you feel fine, then carry on with life as normal.
It really isn't difficult....

I had all these exact symptoms and tested negative. Gave it to my sister who tested positive. I definitely had covid

The reason I'm asking is due to the time off I'm having to take off from work. After a couple of non covid related absences in the space of 6 months its possible to face a disciplinary. Covid absences do not count towards this as the workplace guidance is to stay at home if you are unwell with this, or WFH if you have tested positive and are feeling well enough.

I'm not feeling well enough so am off work and will possibly face an uncomfortable meeting on my return.

Can't you just say to your workplace you are too unwell to work with covid symptoms? Our workplace are encouraging people to still stay home with covid symptoms even if not testing positive

@MisgenderedSwan we'll likely discuss it further on my return. It's such a weird one because they can't really expect you to keep buying tests (which I'm not - I just have a big stash from when they were free from my workplace). From the conversations had so far, it's a bit like we'll I'm testing negative so must be flu?? I will suggest it might have been Covid though and see how that rolls. It certainly feels like what I've heard described.

@Callmepale : sorry to hear that, it’s quite harsh if you have a good work ethic but have been unlucky…

keep testing (try to swab your throat) OR call your GP who may be able to sign you off with Covid (over the phone)

and agree with @MisgenderedSwan : describe your symptoms as Covid symptoms! Soooo many people have it & flu is a winter virus typically..,

Thank you!

I had some sickness in April for depression but haven't been off sick in 2 years prior.

I only have the nose swabs. Do these work at the back of the throat?

I would say so: you need to really get in there & scrape away !!

When I had covid a few months ago I didn't test positive until I actually started to feel better! I think my first positive was on day 6 from exposure. Started feeling symptoms on day 2. Keep testing if you're unsure!