Which Covid test for those with symptoms?

Belenus

My wife went on a cruise Sunday 4th to Sunday 11th last week. She had a negative test in a Pharmacy on Friday 2nd, two days before sailing.

She developed Covid Symptoms on Saturday 10th. She felt awful for two to three days but is thankfully now starting to feel better.

On Monday 12th I got her a Covid-19 Self-Testing Rapid Test from Tesco Pharmacy. Her test proved positive.

On Monday evening I developed symptoms very similar to hers. It is now Wednesday and I still feel bad but not awful.

We have some NHS DHSC Covid-19 Self Test (Rapid Antigen Test) in the house. The instructions say that it is for asymptomatic people. I am symptomatic.

Is there any point me testing myself with it or should I get another test from Tesco?

Thanks

We are both triple vaccinated with Pfizer.

unforeseen

You don't need to test yourself any more. 
Just assume it's Covid and plan accordingly. 

Belenus

unforeseen said:

You don't need to test yourself any more. 
Just assume it's Covid and plan accordingly. 

That is what I am planning to do anyway as my symptoms are not too severe.  All the evidence strongly suggests Covid but I would  like confirmation that is is Covid and not something else. 

We have 5 of those tests for asymptomatic people in the house. I don't want to waste one if there is no point.

I haven't yet has a test, it was my wife who tested herself.

400ixl

Use the NHS kit if you want to prove to yourself you are positive / negative, no need to buy a Tesco LFT which essentially is the same thing.

Belenus

I took the test and it came up positive within a few minutes. The instructions said wait 30 minutes (and no more) but is settled at two very clear lines lines within a few minutes and hasn't changed after 30 minutes.

I hope that I start feeling better soon.

From what I have read about Covid, I have it fairly mildly. I am nowhere near needing medical attention other than taking paracetamol. I have had colds in the past that made me feel as bad as I feel now. I don't think I have ever had flu. I guess the Pfizer vaccine is doing its job.

Time for us both to get a Covid booster jab and also a flu jab.

Stay healthy everyone.

sheramber

You need to wait 28 days from the first day iof your symptoms before you can get a booster.

silvercar

If would wait about 3 months personally, research I’ve read says you should have immunity for a few months and less likely to have a severe reaction to the vaccine than having it earlier.

Belenus

Thanks for that advice.