I’ve only tested once. It’s because my son needed to be tested for a close contact at school, and the school district was offering free tests for students and family members. So I figured, since I was there already, why not. Negative.
I would be tested if I ever had any symptoms or if I knew I came in close contact, but neither has ever happened.
My son has been tested several times, because until recently he wasn’t eligible for the vaccine. Many gatherings had the requirement of either proof of vaccine or a recent negative test. But here’s the thing: Those tests cost a lot of money. $75 a pop. I couldn’t rely on the free sites because they didn’t guarantee results in time.
Heck, we already have testing plans built into Xmas (RAT/LFT at home).
Late Dec 23 - because Trep Jr will be arriving early Dec 24
Dec 27 - as we’ve been invited over to friends
Dec 31 - as we’re hosting
Mrs T will do additional testing because of care home visiting. I’ve just had a pretty bad cold for which I tested negative twice (once precautionary, once at the end of the cold at the request of my dentist).
I have had the full PCR test twice, once last year when I had respiratory tract infections symptoms - negative, so just a cold, and again a couple of weeks ago for the same reason (again negative). Both times at local health authority sites and the results came by e-mail within 24-36 hours. I’ve had multiple fast response tests, both at my father’s nursing home, where it is a requirement for visiting, and using at-home test kits when I was going to be meeting people for some reason.
The home kits I had to buy (and are currently on back order for ordering more) but the province is planning to make them available for free on a limited basis (probably why my supplier is out of stock presently).
My feeling is that it is a simple and responsible precaution to avoid infecting those around you.
If you can find (and afford, in the US) the rapid antigen/lateral flow tests, you should test right before gatherings regardless of symptoms.
My daughters and I test regularly, especially before the little one was eligible for vaccination. And now with Omicron, we continue even though we and every close contact are as vaccinated as can be.
Just stock up on some home test kits and use one if/when you have symptoms, fer chrissakes. I just tested (neg) for the first time (actually 2 tests 2 days apart) after lengthy contact with someone who later tested positive. Why on earth wouldn’t you test if you have symptoms, even if they can be explained away by other possible causes? You know there’s a pandemic, right? Order a supply on Amazon and replenish as needed.
I’m driving to my folks’ house tonight, staying over, and spending most of the day tomorrow there. Over the past week as Omicron has exploded, I’ve started to wonder if I should get tested before I go. I’m feeling fine, haven’t had any known exposure to sick people or indeed all that much exposure to people at all recently, but it would be nice to have peace of mind. On the other hand, going to get tested could be where I get exposed. And since I’ve been busy with work, I just didn’t get around to even figuring out how I’d go about it.
I’ve had two colds since the pandemic started, and both were after I got into the vaccine trial, so both times I got tested through the study. Both tests were negative. I’ll keep getting tested anytime I feel like I’m coming down with something, because it’s what the study requires, but if it weren’t for that, I’m not sure where I’d draw the line. I have a thermometer and a pulse oximeter; it might be safer and easier to stay home and monitor my symptoms.
Soon they’ll be back in stock, and then you stock up on a few kits. So far I haven’t had to wait more than a couple weeks. As soon as I use a test, I place a new order. There are still plenty of places here where you can get a same-day appointment, but there are either very long lines, or you have to drive out to the suburbs.
Does any of that suggest to you that perhaps those who are low-risk for catching and spreading the virus should maybe not test at every available opportunity, so those who really need it can get it?
You didn’t say “this is what I feel is right for me given my lengthy exposure;” you said:
Forgive me for interpreting that to mean you think other people should test anytime they have any cold/flu symptoms, regardless of exposure or other factors.
The post I was responding to was a direct reply to my post immediately above it where I pointed out my lengthy exposure.
Considering many people with covid had no known exposure, yes, when you have covid symptoms during a pandemic, you either isolate or test. See the advice of the good doc:
Since I never mentioned it one way or another, I’m wondering what your problem is. The medical advice is if you have covid symptoms, isolate and/or test before you expose other people. If you disagree with that, take it up with them, not me.
No thanks, I have no bone to pick with the medical establishment. You made an apparently normative statement in this thread and now refuse to clarify your actual position. I can see this is going nowhere, so I’ll let it go.
My mom’s in her mid-90s, and very immuno-sketchy, so we get tested any time we’re going to be indoors with her. We used to picnic outside her home during temperate weather, but we ain’t gonna see that again soon…
And hell yeah I get tested if I have symptoms. I don’t want to take any chances of passing along a dangerous virus.
“Just sniffles” is extreme, of course, but headache, feverish, body aches, coughing… I had all of the above, was very worried, and got a test (negatory!).
I told a doctor friend that I had p-Covid for half a day… “The p is for psychosomatic”.
We had a big crowd at our house for the holidays, many of them staying in our small house, and mentioned that only vaccinated people should come. THEN we gave everyone a home test as they walked in the door! Luckily, everyone thought it was a good idea (and kind of funny), not Big Brotherly.
My son started sneezing badly in school yesterday. We know he has allergies, so we were sure it was nothing, but they insisted on testing him. (Understandable.). He was negative.
I had symptoms of a really bad hacking cough, fatigue, sore throat and runny nose. So I used one of my Amazon purchased kits. After I titrated the 3 drops into the well, the positive stripe came up immediately. I didn’t even bother to check the kit before I put the drops in, so I was unsure of what it looked like before hand. The test said to wait 10 minutes so I assumed it would take at least a little bit of time for the stripe to turn color.
I ended up making an appointment for a drop in PCR test. It was easy to sign up and I barely had the time to fill out all the bullshit in the application, hop in my car and drive down to the center even though my appointment was in a half an hour. There was no one in line and it was a drive through.
Two days later I got my positive test result which I absolutely expected. I was sick for about 3 days and still have a cough a week later.I’m fully vaccinated and boosted and I didn’t feel too bad except for the hacking cough. Thank god I didn’t lose my sense of smell at all. I think the vaccination is pretty good at mitigating the serious effects, and I’m happy with the result. I actually ordered FuboTV so I could watch the NFL Conference championships in isolation.
I later noticed that I got a text message stating that I had to be pre-approved for the PCR test, which of course, I was not. I called my insurance company and after battling a completely non-functional telephone tree, I managed to get a hold of a human who said that everything for covid testing would be covered.
I just ordered a couple more quick tests and more cough medicine in case I get sick again. I still haven’t received the supposed 4 free tests in the mail.
Without symptoms or exposure I take a test if I’m going to be close to my mother. She is an 87 year old cancer patient that we want around as long as possible. Other than that I won’t take a test unless I get symptoms.