Teacher with cold symptoms WWYD?

[TestOrNot]

Hi
I’ve been in school (primary) this week but not today. In the last 2hours I’ve developed what I’d normally call the beginning of a streaming cold ( mild sore throat, sneezing, runny nose and fatigue). Definitely not hayfever.

Trying to decide what to do in the light of the fact that some Covid cases are atypical.

What would you do regarding testing and informing the HT, assuming symptoms stay the same?

Also, judging by the normal time frame for a cold, I’d still have obvious symptoms when I’m next due in which complicates things further even if it is just a cold.

TIA for any advice.

I see your dilemma. However atm you haven't got any official symptoms, it depends what develops over the weekend.

Don't suppose you use the symptom app tracker by any chance? I do and reported a sore throat, next day got invited to take a test under their scheme and had results within 48 hrs of first reporting.

Otherwise I'd maybe wait til Sun evening and ring/email Head and ask what (s)he wants to do.

You can get tested, it's very easy to do. The results email tells you what to do based on the result and your household composition. If you book today I'd imagine you'd be able to get tested tomorrow at drive through test centre. Do you have under-fives at home?

Thanks Strawberry. That all makes perfect sense. The only further dilemma is that if I do end up having a test/ if the HT wants to be extra cautious and I Ieave it until Sunday night then there’s a chance the HT will say I should’ve told her sooner.

Does anyone have any opinions about or experience of whether teachers with cold symptoms will be allowed/ expected to go in to work as we did pre Covid? I just feel that things have changed and although I don’t have official symptoms I’m going to get some very worried looks...

Letme, would you request a test based on my symptoms? I have 2 older teenage DC. Oh and one is working as a care assistant. Shit, I’ve been so focussed on school I’ve just registered that she’s due to work tomorrow. Another dilemma!! Gah!

OK, I'd call NHS 111 for advice tonight, especially regarding the care assistant DC.

The test is no biggie. This was the advice I got when I tested negative. That was four weeks ago though, might have changed. I'd suggest getting the whole household tested tomorrow. I would not let DC go to work until it's come back clear. But this is based on my experience of similar colds always involving a cough or fever sooner or later.

Just realized I changed my mind about your DC halfway through my post. Call 111 and see what they say about tomorrow but do all get tested. Good luck!

I’m very sceptical about the benefit of ringing 111, to be honest as I faced a similar dilemma back in February when I had atypical symptoms and had just flown back from a medium risk area (before Covid in Europe really kicked off). Back then, I spoke to a YTS boy, or similar who was no help whatsoever as I didn’t have text book symptoms. He just kept re reading his script. I reckon it’d be the same now, tbh.

You can ask to speak to a medical professional though. I only suggested 111 because your GP surgery will be shut now.

Thanks Letme. I didn’t know that. I think I’ll see how I am in the morning. I’ll tell Dd to ring the agency and explain.

This is my fear with Covid testing.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52906909

It's not comforting that they are suggesting 1/5 people who test negative actually do have Covid-19. It doesn't appear to be particularly accurate.

@BlessYourCottonSocks I know but it's the best we've got. 80% chance of a negative result being correct, and much higher chance of a positive test being correct.

Sorry! I know I'm the voice of doom..It's been a long week.😁

How are you today @TestOrNot? Have your symptoms become decisive either way? Hope your DC isn't too annoyed with having to cancel her shift!