University 2020 :10: Empty nests warm vests and covid tests: uni parents 2020

[sammyjoanne]

Carry on from MilicentMartha's University 9 thead
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/higher_education/a4025020-University-2020-9-And-theyre-off-making-hay-while-the-sun-shines?msgid=101075411#101075411

Aww, thanks specialted - I'm very happy for him having such a nice start in spite of a two week flat lockdown mid-term

Re the pre Cheistmas Covid tests. DS had Covid recently. Is it true that he might still test positive, and if so would they make him self isolate for another 14 days?

@JugglingFromHereToThere Thats nice hes got a g/f and they are plan to come back fror christmas together :)

It is a balance when it comes to parents. My parents are in their mid sixties, where as my father in law is on his own and in his 70's. I know my parents are ok and we go on messenger, plus they have my brother and sister and their families; where FIL does not know much about computers, so if anything, we would go and see him.

@ThrawnCow at Lancaster its recommended but not compulsory. My daughter thinks she had it 8th of October. She said she would try for a test if she can get one.

@thrawncow, similar dilemma for dd. Positive test in October, does she need to test again, might it be positive still or is there an alternative?

I get tested fortnightly at the private hospital where I work and we are told not to have another test within 90 days of testing positive in case it affects the results. So ds won't be getting a test before he comes home as he tested positive in October.

But I think that's only if you actually had the test, not sure what you'd do if you isolated but didn't take test??

this is the issue DD has on whether or not the test picks up dead covid or not.

Difficult to know what she should do. Did others on the flat actually test positive? I'd be surprised if she didn't have it if there were confirmed cases in the flat. But who knows!! I was very keen for ds to actually have the test just so he'd know either way. It's not compulsory though, I'd be worried she would have to stay to self isolate if it was positive!

Dd uni is advising the test ok as long as there have been at least 10 days after si finished. Antibody tests seem difficult to get even privately.

I would let her have the test, but as soon as possible. She had it mildly, the virus isn't necessarily going to go on "shedding". And at least you know one way or the other. Positive test is 10 days not 14 of self isolation.
DS had a positive test back in early Oct so he is definitely not getting tested again, but ds1 is in the same situation as your DD, part of a self isolating flat three weeks or more ago, but no symptoms and thinks he had it in Feb. I suppose that is 90 days tho!!

It begs the question though why all these people with dead covid cells are being asked to isolate, or why all these people with possibly infectious long lasting covid are walking around...it surely has to be one or t'other?? Or am I being too literal??

Do any Lancaster parents know if you post dc a letter or card do they still have to collect it from the central collection point? Was going to send ds a card but considering he hasn't bothered going to collect the advent calendar I sent him a week ago as he's been 'too busy', I'm debating whether to bother!

I think post rather than parcels, goes to porters lodge or whatever it is called, at individual colleges. DS received his bank card that way, no problem. Tbh I am ashamed to say I have sent him nothing else, I usually just buttonhole him by phone. DH sends parcels.

When ds1 at different uni, was in his first year he didn't notice an advent calendar sent by godmother in his postbox (never checked it, everything email) till Jan.

www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2020/11/C0873_ii_Lateral-flow-antigen-test-FAQ_16-Nov.pdf
Question 11, relates to if you have had covid, to when you should take the lateral test. its 90 days by the looks of things

@specialted She thinks shes had it because there was a positive case in her flat. The positive case was one of the 8 that had no smell. And DD had a bit of no smell for a day but also sinus, headache croaky voice and generally unwell. they was all mixing in their household doing indoor barcrawl, pub golf, baking, movie nights, so she thinks shes 99% sure shes had it already. sorry dont know about letters.
the period of isolation was the 10th to the 24nd october.
.

The above is for nhs staff, but i imagine same rules apply. I would read that as if someone has covid, not to take the lateral one for 90 days.

Just spotted on Wiwikau that you aren’t supposed to test within 90 days of a previous positive test as you could get a false positive due to residual virus. Important for students returning that their previously positive housemates don’t retest or the whole house might have to isolate again! DS’s flat have all booked tests for 1st and 4th.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

“It is possible for tests to detect residual virus for some time after COVID-19 infection. Anyone who has previously received a positive test result for COVID-19 should only be re-tested within a 90-day period if they develop any new symptoms of COVID-19.”

That’s pretty much what you said, isn’t it, @sammyjoanne? D’oh!

@MillicentMartha it was lol. The government failed to mention that part though, so not sure what kind of reaction thats going to ripple round the unis. Lancaster said you would need one of those other tests if you come up positive, so would still need to wait for one of those. They have the tree up now in their flat. A broken mug did not go to waste and made its way as a decoration. Festive.

That's an impressive tree! Ds' one was not quite so well decorated and had a few basketballs rolling around the base!!

DS has booked his pair of tests. CV ripped through early in the term, he didn’t catch it (or was asymptomatic) so it will be interesting to hear the result.

His flat has commenced Xmas, with a day designated for dinner and celebrations ahead of everyone leaving for home later next week. They’ve signed leases for a pair of neighbouring houses for next year. All in all, he’s been lucky to have a better start than many in this weird year

That’s good news, Shauna. DS’s flat aren’t half as well organised but have made noises about wanting a house of 8 or 2x4. I don’t think they’ll start looking til next term.

I offered to buy DS a tree, but he wasn’t bothered. They have some cheap fairy lights but they broke almost immediately. Doesn’t sound very cheery!

I don't think dd is going to test now as she was positive in October. She is also hoping to move room to be in same household as most of her friends , in case of future lockdowns.

@specialted

That's an impressive tree! Ds' one was not quite so well decorated and had a few basketballs rolling around the base!!

Lol before it was decorated, it had a rubber shrek mask by the side of it. No idea why. Another house meeting tonight about houses. Think there might be a viewing on the cards to an 8 bed. Shes going to let me know later how it goes.