Having a covid test

Apart from the ‘instant result’ kit all my tests have been done by someone other than me

So misleading about getting test done- whenever it 'shows' them at test centres on tv they DO indeed show the people in hazmat suits reaching in at car windows with a little stick in their hand as though they are performing the tests for us- but no my DD (eldest) says that they went in their car (as their youngest had sniffles from school) and yes they do just shove the test box at you & expect you to get on with it!(they were all negative thank God & we havent been near them at all anyway) My eldest son said same, he & his wife had to twist round in car to try do test on screaming little baby & 7yr old whilst helping older 2 (13&15) to do theirs properly as well do their own! Its ridiculous! At least the tests may be not false if they were able to be administered correctly by a professional.(not so lucky in sons case, all except him tested positive & had to isolate 2 weeks) & he had to isolate but continue re-testing himself. (We had not seen them at all either as they dont live where we do).Its just as well staying in and getting one posted out to you.But what about the 'new' quick tests- do others perform those, or do we have to do our own for them as well??

Caro57- you are lucky in that sense then as everyone else seems to have been handed a kit& expected to get on with it! How does it work with the 'instant test' then? Would not 'someone else' (a tester/medical professional?) be better doing that one, so they can read result?

Good luck everyone who thinks they may have covid . All that testing sounds horrible. I'm trying to keep as far away from other people for as long as I can...........! My sister is really ill, having come down with Covid on Boxing day. Her husband was admitted to hospital on xmas day with it (think he picked it up in hospital, as he has vascular dementia and often has to go to hospital for tests etc). This new variant is obviously very catching.

I have no idea where the local drive in centre is, though I live seven miles from a largish market town in Suffolk. I no longer drive anyway and have no relations locally. I am 83 and have heard absolutely nothing from the local surgery in my village. Where are these " local drive in centres"?

Our council publishes operating times and addresses each week of the test centres

Our bodies are full of viruses and germs that are kept in check in a healthy body. If our immune system gets weaker, one of those viruses can make you sick. So, despite all the precautions of hand washing etc. we can still get a cold or other 'bug'.

Locally there is what they call a walk in centre. You park up and go in. They give you the test thing and you do it yourself but they explain what to do and stand at a respectful distance while you gag!!

.Liverpool started to test people with or without symptoms. Caught lot of people who had no symptoms but were positive. They rolled it out across Merseyside. I went for a test before Christmas. I could have walked in but booked it as didn't know how long I would have to wait. It was all very well organised. Directed where to go checked in with code on my phone. Shown to a cubicle. The helper talked me through how to do the test. There was a mirror so I could see to get right back to my tonsils . 10 secs each one 10 secs up nostril. Everything well run. Had the result via email next day. People say it shows positive if you have a cold it doesn't. I had a cold when tested. Came back negative.

Having a Covid test is no hardship. We have blood tests no one makes a fuss about that. Been having a mammogram every 3 years since I was 50 and bowel cancer test from 60 every 2 years. Just had notification my kit will be sent in 2 weeks. My second one as I am 62.

We should be happy we can get tested . People all over the world can't or they have to pay. We are lucky in this country. It's not perfect but no system is. Be glad we have the NHS.