Forum Topic

Help! I've just tested positive for Covid.

Phoning 119 I've failed to get to the correct 'extension' for reporting positive results..and getting advice.I've been coughing and barking all week long, with a sore throat..and aching stomach muscles..and obviously disturbed sleep.I self administered a FLOWFLEX Rapid test..and with 4 minutes the 2 red bars appeared.Should I redo test in 2 hours time in case it was a faulty reading?Shame because I have a key appointment tomorrow. What's best. 119 didn't work for me.

Jim Lawes ● 1665d19 Comments

"Phoning 119 I've failed to get to the correct 'extension' for reporting positive results..and getting advice" Thought that was of the past Jim. I know loads of people who have caught covid in last 6 months and they just stay indoors for a few days until they are negative. None of this reporting and using apps

Julian Pavey ● 1665d

So to hear that Jim, if you've been testing negative previously unfortunately I'd imagine the test is accurate.Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you need any shopping done etc. then let us know.

Andrew Jones ● 1665d

Jim, all the advice you need is on the NHS website. You now need to do  PCR test. I think that anyone who has had your symptoms for even a short time should do a LF test and not bark and cough all week long.Your key appointment can be rescheduled or even done online if that’s appropriate. I am not sure of your circumstances but please DM if you choose to isolate and need any shopping etc.

Stewart Jones ● 1665d

Jim, I'm sorry to hear your news, but don't worry,I understand many people don't report test results any more, and why would they, HMG don't take Covid seriously any more. Take another test carefully if it will increase your confidence in the test. If you get another +ve then the best thing to do would be to self isolate and cancel the appointment.Your stomach muscles are likely to hurt if you've been coughing for a week. Do you have a fever? If you can get hold of one a pulse-oximeter (Amazon sell them) will tell your blood oxygen level - if 95 or higher that's fine. Hope this helps, and that you feel better real soon.Best wishesJeff

Jeff Gear ● 1665d

Yes, Jim, try to get accurate results, but mostly don't get too stressed - really hope you get well soon.

Vivienne Cox ● 1665d

Thank you for all your lovely responses. I feel less anxious already.I will take heed of what you've advisedand will get my Pharmacist to retest me tomorrow.I survived WW2 bombs in Chiswick so won't allow this big pest to finish me off!Thanks again.

Jim Lawes ● 1665d

I expect you are a responsible person Jim, and if your 'key appointment' involves meeting people you certainly won't go unless you tell them in advance you are Covid positive. Watching the news tonight it looks like Covid may be the least of our health issues if the nuclear reactor in Ukraine continues to burn. When people say 'You can't stop progress' it makes me so cross. So often so-called 'progress' is regress to a very dangerous state of affairs - like the invention of nuclear weapons and increased aviation emissions.

Claire Moran ● 1665d

Hi JimI'm type 2 diabetic so was considered moderately at risk when this thing first began, but three jabs and a milder variant later I contracted Covid just before the New Year and barely realised I had it.  You'll be fine, take advantage of the opportunity to put your feet up for a week.

Phil Andrews ● 1664d

How are you doing Jim? Hopefully ok?

Andrew Jones ● 1664d

Hi Jim,Sorry to hear your news.If we can help please let me know.Best wishesJohn

John Todd ● 1663d

Hope you are o.k. JIm.

Janice Evans ● 1663d

Chin up Jim, you'd be fine.What is odd is I haven't heard of anyone who has had flu this season. Am I alone or has there  been no an outbreak?Is it because we have been mask wearing and staying apart?I have had full blown flu twice. Not nice.

Adrian Irving ● 1663d

I will always wear a mask when out as don't want colds, flu or anythingincluding variants.

Janice Evans ● 1663d

I have found 119 really helpful. Try again. I have had long, detailed advice chats with 119, different staff on different days.

Petey Rosebar ● 1662d

Thanks for your concerns and good wishes.As Phil and others have said 'feet up and rest'. The coughing is much reduced..(that Robitussin medicine has helped).and I feel more comfortable.Am disappointed that tests yesterday and today have been POSITIVE again. Tomorrow I have a provisional second interview at some wardened accommodation in the Borough..to start the next phase of my life!Yes..I endeavor to keep my chin up.. all around I see people worse off.

Jim Lawes ● 1662d

Good luck Jim - it seems that most people end up testing positive for 5 days or so, though everyone reacts differently to the disease. My daughter just getting over it. Good that the coughing is reduced. Rest seems to be the vital thing ...

James Tickell ● 1662d

After 10 days I achieved a NEGATIVE reading..which was a relief...and no doubt I have been more fortunate than many.However I then endured many days of dreadful "flu?".. coughing and spluttering... and using up many boxes of tissues. No fun.The Kleenex Company have done well!I'm posting this to thank you again for your responses.. and in case others are using tissues galore...they are not alone. Get well soon.

Jim Lawes ● 1654d

Good News!

Andrew Jones ● 1654d

Glad to hear you're on the mend, Jim, and good luck with the sheltered housing.

Susan Kelly ● 1653d