Covid lateral tests and symptoms

DanS1

Not sure if this is the right place but..... Why is it we're not allowed to do a lateral flow test at home if we have Covid symptoms? I feel lousy at the moment and want to know if I have coronavirus but don't want to wait until tomorrow for a PCR test and then wait another day for the results to come through, especially as I've just started a new temp job and don't want to call in sick unless the result is positive. Whereas if I just do a lateral test (which I already do twice a week) I would know within 30 minutes.

silvercar

What is stopping you do a lateral flow test?

spiro

You can do both but if you have symptoms you need a PCR test as it is more accurate. Whenever I have a PCR test I have had the results before I get up the next day.

poppy12345

My grandson had to be tested last week and the results were back before 8am so my son in law could go to work. (negative test)

DanS1

Thanks for the responses. I still don't feel well so will try and get a PCR test booked. Only concern is if I have to be off work tomorrow but obviously if I go in feeling ill I'll get into trouble so kinda stuffed either way really.

briskbeats

I managed to get an appt 30 mins of booking it. Got test result at 6am the following day.

Mickey666

DanS1 said:

Not sure if this is the right place but..... Why is it we're not allowed to do a lateral flow test at home if we have Covid symptoms? I feel lousy at the moment and want to know if I have coronavirus but don't want to wait until tomorrow for a PCR test and then wait another day for the results to come through, especially as I've just started a new temp job and don't want to call in sick unless the result is positive. Whereas if I just do a lateral test (which I already do twice a week) I would know within 30 minutes.

Although the advice is to get a PCR test if you have symptoms, there's nothing to stop you doing a lateral flow test at home first if you really want to.

You can apply online and they'll send you a box of seven lateral flow tests.  No charge.
https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

epm-84

If you've got symptoms you shouldn't leave your home except to get a PCR test, that would include going to the pharmacy to get lateral flow tests.  However, there's nothing stopping you using a lateral flow test kit you already have at home.  If you get a positive I wouldn't suggest logging it on gov.uk as logging results on lateral flow tests is to determine how many people may be asymptomatic.

If you live with others then the people you live with taking lateral flow tests might be a good idea.

Mickey666

epm-84 said:

If you've got symptoms you shouldn't leave your home except to get a PCR test, that would include going to the pharmacy to get lateral flow tests.  However, there's nothing stopping you using a lateral flow test kit you already have at home.  If you get a positive I wouldn't suggest logging it on gov.uk as logging results on lateral flow tests is to determine how many people may be asymptomatic.

But that's PRECISELY what they need you to do! 
Why would you NOT report the results of the test so that it helps gather vital information about how the virus is affecting people and where?

epm-84

Mickey666 said:

epm-84 said:

If you've got symptoms you shouldn't leave your home except to get a PCR test, that would include going to the pharmacy to get lateral flow tests.  However, there's nothing stopping you using a lateral flow test kit you already have at home.  If you get a positive I wouldn't suggest logging it on gov.uk as logging results on lateral flow tests is to determine how many people may be asymptomatic.

But that's PRECISELY what they need you to do! 
Why would you NOT report the results of the test so that it helps gather vital information about how the virus is affecting people and where?

The lateral flow tests are for those who have no symptoms, the government tells you to not take a lateral flow test if you have symptoms and to book a PCR test instead.  If you report that you get a positive from a lateral flow test then you are reporting that you have tested positive with a lateral flow test despite having no symptoms.  That will distort the statistics and make it look like there are more asymptomatic cases than there actually are.

Sea_Shell

I wonder for how long we'll have to carry on self isolating and testing with "symptoms".   

When can we again suffer with a cough or temparature and "soldier on"?

Will workplaces continue to accept this as a reason for being off sick, long term, and when (if) will the government's messaging change?

1 year, 2, 5, ever?

(I say "we" meaning as a nation, not personally, as I don't work!)