Covid symptoms

Loss of taste and smell would be a high alert for me. I've also had and got over a nasty streaming head cold and if anything my sense of smell was enhanced (I'm very allergic)
Getting a test is currently a real problem, either drive to or home test kit being sent. Nevertheless I wouldn't go in with a heavy head cold, test or no test. Isn't quarantine period 10 days from onset of symptoms now?

What a stupid question!!
It is asked despite all the publicity surrounding being tested the moment potential symptoms appear!
Honestly, will people NEVER learn!

No - you have the classic symptoms - you should get a test however difficult it might prove and while you’re at it send an email to your MP letting him or her know that you work with children and can’t get a test easily - if we don’t hold the system up to scrutiny this pandemic will continue to do its worst.

Where do you live? You may find that your local hospital has drive-in tests for patients

are you mad, you work with children you must isolate and get a test, if you dont have covid at least you will not be spreading your cold to others

No, get tested and stay at home

Have you tried to book online ? If you have with no luck log back out then go back on and enter a different postcode (close to you) and try keep doing that then the Algorithms allocate a test available
GOOD LUCK ALL ! This is why the figures are not anywhere near accurate or capturing the amount infected with Covid-19

A friend lives in Northampton. She is a Reception teacher and her small son had Covid symptoms. They were advised to have tests and were offered slots in Dundee in Scotland - several hundred miles away.
Another friend in rural Staffs, near Alton Towers, is unable to book any slots near there for her 70 year old husband with a bad cough as all slots are “fully booked”. ?. It seems the Testing system really is not working well at all! They are currently having to self isolate, which is very inconvenient as she has a Caring role for a neighbour. No wonder folk are carrying on as usual when it is so difficult/impossible to get a test.

I think that the government need to reiterate the testing criteria, equally they should highlight who does not need a test. Otherwise it's quite clear that the system will grind to a halt. I know that it's been done but this message needs repeating. As has been said you need to test or isolate for 2 weeks as loss of sense of smell is a red flag.

My you g niece has it. She is a doctor in a and e. She was very surprised that she had lost her sense of smell
And said it was weird. She was too ill to drive to the test centre. The home test arrived within two days but the results took 5 days to confirm positive.

Hi Nickysmadhouse,
I would definitely say a great big no to work.
As for testing have you tried online for a home test? I got one the next day, although I live in the Highlands of Scotland. I've spoken to others who say they also got theirs promptly.
I hope you get a test very soon
It does sound iffy.
Tricia.

I have had a letter offering me the chance to enter a 'test at home trial,' with a result in 15 minutes, . It is just a finger tip blood test to check for antibodies to see if I've had it already.
I have no symptoms of illness and due to go away for a short time. I will do the test (it has not arrived yet) within a couple of weeks. I have to be accepted onto the trial first of all.

Absolutely you should get a test and isolate. Dangerous not to I would have thought.

No you should not go to work. Loss of taste and smell is one of the symptoms. My son was told by NHS if you cannot get a test and have any one of the prescribed symptoms you should act as if you have a positive Covid-19 and issolate for 14 days from onset of symptoms.

P. S. Forgot to say grandson 'only' had a high temperature.

Ahhh thankyou will look into private xx

No

Nickysmadhouse

Thanks all, it was from the children i got the cold ?
Im trying online and 119 Since last night to book the test.... no joy, its too busy, anyone know any other ways to get a test? X

There are private testing labs. You do have to pay but f you are losing money and are very anxious it may be worth it.

No! My 18 month old grandson was sent home from nursery last week until he got a negative test (which he did the next day).

Says it all! I hope you're negative but it's imperative that you have a test.

Definitely NO

No.
Just self isolate and apply for a test if there’s no centre near you either straight away or if the symptoms persist.

I really cannot believe you have to ask the question. We are having another spike in Covid because people are not making the right decision - you need to be tested. The kids may not get it as such but if they pass it on to a vulnerable person or elderly grandparent it could cause severe illness even death. People are just too complacent.

I thought you were supposed to have a test if you had symptoms not just self-isolate

I know a school worker who has a sore throat. The only available test was in Edgbaston and she lives in Oxford. She will just isolate instead. Crazy!

I can’t believe that someone is even asking this question when loss of smell and taste is a known symptom of Covid 19.