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How infectious am I??

(90 Posts)
Franbern Thu 21-Jul-22 11:33:59

Much to my chagrin have been testing positive for Covid. At first could not believe my eyes (thought I was getting double vision). Yes, I have a cough, runny nose - but main problem is feeling so very bored.

I have been staying at home, but do wonder if I am allowed to go out, say, to local park where there are few people around. If I stay well away from anyone else, and wear a mask am I being unreasonable in doing that?

Do love my flat very much, but starting to feel a little stir-crazy at present.

growstuff Thu 21-Jul-22 11:38:47

How long is it since you first tested positive?

Kim19 Thu 21-Jul-22 11:39:22

Get out and about in the fresh air but keep your space as you obviously intend. With plenty of space and the current weather, I wouldn't wear a mask but I would have one in my pocket. Hope you feel better real soon. ?

Septimia Thu 21-Jul-22 11:42:11

I'm not surprised you feel stir-crazy. I can't see that you're very likely to pass Covid on to anyone in the circumstances you describe. I know at one stage they were suggesting 15 minutes exposure to an infected person was dangerous, so if you're in the open air and not in close contact with anyone, it shouldn't be a problem, especially if you wear a mask.

Other people might disagree, but let common sense prevail.

Riverwalk Thu 21-Jul-22 11:44:38

The advice is to stay at home and avoid contact with others for five days after testing positive - it's not the law but it's the best thing to do.

After the five days I would wear a mask to leave the building in case you meet vulnerable neighbours, as you have a cough and runny nose, then take it off when at the park.

Hope you feel better soon.

growstuff Thu 21-Jul-22 11:45:10

You're "allowed" to do whatever you want, but if you want to avoid infecting anybody else, the government advice is to stay away from others for five days after first testing positive - and away from clinically vulnerable people for ten days.

If you're going for a walk round a park or any other open air space, you're highly unlikely to infect anybody, especially if you're wearing a properly fitting mask.

GagaJo Thu 21-Jul-22 11:45:56

I don't think there IS a requirement to isolate anymore. When I had it I felt a moral obligation and did so, but when I started testing negative on day 8, I went to the supermarket wearing a mask (out of necessity).

Baggs Thu 21-Jul-22 11:46:55

If you're not ill enough to need to stay indoors then don't. You wouldn't with any other similar health matter, e.g. flu or a nasty cold. So long as you keep your distance from others you will not be doing anything immoral.

growstuff Thu 21-Jul-22 11:47:36

There isn't a requirement, but the NHS outlines what you should do:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/

Now's the time for people to show that they really do have common sense.

FannyCornforth Thu 21-Jul-22 11:59:52

Please stay in.
There are people who are extremely vulnerable who feel like they have to lock themselves up (for far longer than that) for fear of coming across infectious folk.

Juliet27 Thu 21-Jul-22 12:06:14

I tested positive on Sunday and I feel too exhausted to go anywhere. That dreadful heat didn’t help!!

Teacheranne Thu 21-Jul-22 12:25:49

I had Covid recently and decided to isolate myself as a precaution, none of my friends would have wanted to be in a room with me anyway! It took me 13 days to get a negative test result ( I tested on day 7, 10 and 13) so was bored rigid by that time as I live alone!

If I catch it again, I think I would only stay indoors for 5 or 6 days and then venture outside for some fresh air. But I would not meet with people indoors until I’d had a negative test.

Although I was I’ll enough to need a doctor, it was more than just a cold for me, I was quite poorly for about a week with a raised temperature, headaches and nausea.

JackyB Thu 21-Jul-22 12:54:41

I tested positive last Sunday as well and can SO relate to the boredom thing. My phone is full of texts to people saying how bored I am. Haven't the strength to do anything to occupy myself such as light housework and can't concentrate on reading, sewing, or listening to podcasts, and there's only so much sleeping you can do. Can't be bothered to eat and the heat just exacerbates the whole situation.

JackyB Thu 21-Jul-22 12:58:14

I have tickets for an outdoor concert tomorrow which I have offered up to the choir's WhatsApp group, and was hoping to finally get rid of some books at a book sale on Sunday which I have withdrawn from. I may not be contagious by then, but I don't think I've got the strength to stand there all afternoon and talk to people.

Jaxjacky Thu 21-Jul-22 13:30:52

You haven’t said how many days positive Franbern I went for a walk around the block on day 6, saw two people, just crossed over the road from them. Tested -ve on day 9.

Katyj Thu 21-Jul-22 14:23:34

Yes get out and about. Your allowed to go to work now as long as you wear a mask. Hope you feel better soon.

Caleo Thu 21-Jul-22 14:31:28

Franbern quarantine is boring and unpopular but it's there for a reason. Obviously as you live in a flat you are going to be within breathing distance of others and a mask is not good enough.

Google how long to quarantine., I can't remember

BlueBelle Thu 21-Jul-22 14:34:50

I did a week in and was still testing positive for 2 weeks I went out for solo walks after the first week but didn’t go anywhere near anybody until I tested negative either 13 or 14 th day

Caleo Thu 21-Jul-22 14:35:58

Katyj you are misinformed and your post should be deleted

Katyj Thu 21-Jul-22 15:33:28

Hi. My dil works in the warehouse of a big supermarket chain, and contracted covid. Her employer told she could go into work, so long as she wore a mask, which she did, otherwise she wouldn’t have received any pay.

Franbern Thu 21-Jul-22 15:38:21

Thanks for all the replies. I am fortunate in that, although living in a flat, I am have a very large balcony/patio, so can get fresh air. Not able to walk anywhere, use a mobility scooter. Think I will wait now another couple of days until days 6 or 7 from first test.

I have been going down to the main entrance foyer to collect my post each day very late at night, so no chance of coming across anyone else. Doing the same with taking down re-cycling and rubbish bags.

I am not the panicky type,and my son-law who lives locally is considered Very EV. However, despite his having FIVE vaccines (yes five), he caught this virus twice, both time received anti-virals, and except for a couple of really poorly days, that was it.
It is very obvious that we all react to this virus in totally different ways. I have had four vaccinations, am asthmatic over 82 years of age. However, last winter I had tow bouts of bronchitus which made me feel much more ill than I am now - could not even have considered going out anywhere at that time. I have a cough, a runny nose. Yes, am tired, but normally I find that I do require two or three naps each day, so only marginally difference. Nights are the worst with not being able to lie flat (as i normally do in bed).

Would not dream of going to any of my groups whilst getting positive tests, or having anyone come into my home. but know that I could go on my scooter to the park round the corner, and not come within ten feet or more of anyone else.

growstuff Thu 21-Jul-22 15:51:42

Apparently, people are most infectious before symptoms even show and in the first couple of days. By Day 6 or 7 after a test, you probably won't be that infectious Franbern. I've been lucky so far and haven't caught Covid, but if I did, I would go out on a mobility scooter after 6 or 7 days. If you meet somebody you know and they want a chat, ask them to keep their distance. I don't wear a mask outside because it's an airborne virus and doesn't hang around for long if it doesn't have a host. Make sure you don't shake hands with anybody, just in case you've recently had your hand near your face and I'm sure you can enjoy the fresh air with a clear conscience.

Grammaretto Thu 21-Jul-22 16:04:28

Some sound advice here but I want to know what the incubation period is?
My visitor who has stayed a week, left here yesterday with a slight sniffle, tested positive when he got home. I tested myself today and I am negative.
It is a queer virus.
We are both wondering where he caught it and when and if everyone he was in contact with should be told. My 97yr old DMiL for example. Luckily there was no hugging with her.

I hope you feel able to go out and about again soon Franbern virtual hugs

Nannapat1 Sun 24-Jul-22 11:28:53

Caleo, in England at least, no one is required by law to isolate any more, although advice is to stay at home for 5 days. Of course if you are very unwell you would not be able to go into work, but if symptomless, many workplaces insist that you come in.
To the OP, testing positive after 5 plus days doesn't necessarily mean you are infectious.

Alioop Sun 24-Jul-22 11:29:12

I tested positive Tuesday night and I haven't gone out the door and I'm like you, bored senseless. I live alone so no one else to worry about, thank goodness and I've a garden for my wee dog to run around. I've symptoms of a bad cold, although first 2 days the headache was awful and can't even cheer myself up with a bar of chocolate cos I wouldn't taste the darn thing. I still tested positive yesterday and I'll do another one tomorrow to see where I'm at, but I think until I'm negative I'll remain indoors. I've a wedding in Thursday and praying I'll be all ok by then.