Sensible information and advice about Coronavirus (COVID-19)

[scalyboy]

How long should I wait before doing the lateral flow test? Is it 24 hours after the last suspected exposure? Was on the tube yesterday afternoon and evening, rammed, especially on the way back around 9-10pm. First time I've had people sat next to me on both sides for ages. Most in the carriages I was in were masked up, but saw a few non-mask wearers, two (separate) of whom were sneezing and coughing...

 

[zora]

How long should I wait before doing the lateral flow test?

Tbh I don't think lateral flow tests are great for spot checks after one-off possible exposures; they are designed to pick out some asymptomatic cases in mass testing, not for individual diagnosis afaiu.

Sensitivity is a lot less than with PCR tests - a PCR test might give you a positive result 2-3 days before symptom start, so I imagine the very, very earliest you might get a positive lateral flow test result, if you had indeed been infected, would be 2-3 days after exposure, possibly a fair bit longer.

If you are concerned about exposure and infection, I would get into regular twice weekly lateral flow testing while it is available.

 

[scalyboy]

Tbh I don't think lateral flow tests are great for spot checks after one-off possible exposures; they are designed to pick out some asymptomatic cases in mass testing, not for individual diagnosis afaiu.

Sensitivity is a lot less than with PCR tests - a PCR test might give you a positive result 2-3 days before symptom start, so I imagine the very, very earliest you might get a positive lateral flow test result, if you had indeed been infected, would be 2-3 days after exposure, possibly a fair bit longer.

If you are concerned about exposure and infection, I would get into regular twice weekly lateral flow testing while it is available.

Thanks - re. PCR testing, my understanding was that you could only get an NHS PCR test if you have symptoms (or pay large amounts of £££ to a private clinic).
I've got a couple of packs of the free NHS lateral flow tests and was going to do one today, then thought maybe I should wait if they are in short supply. I had heard they are less accurate than PCR and that some advice recommends if you get a positive test, do another test the next day to be more sure.

Was going to go out to the shops but it was nothing urgent, so can wait - just some porridge oats, and some peanuts for the squirrels.

Edited to add: have just ordered some lateral flow tests so it will be instructive to see how long they take to arrive, if there really is a shortage.

PS I reckon you're right about my getting into twice weekly testing rather than doing it as and when, especially as I will soon be commuting and going into the work office on a regular basis again.

 

[elbows]

Tbh I don't think lateral flow tests are great for spot checks after one-off possible exposures; they are designed to pick out some asymptomatic cases in mass testing, not for individual diagnosis afaiu.

They are being used far more broadly than that, eg for individual regular testing.

There are things that lateral flow tests should not be relied on to prove, but I would not hesitate to use them in a range of scenarios including personal use given the relatively high bar for getting a PCR test.

 

[zora]

Sorry if that wasn't clear, scalyboy, I only mentioned PCR tests for comparison in terms of time-frame; i.e. if the (more sensitive) PCR-test can't tell you for certain a day after exposure if you are infected (which it can't), a lateral flow test definitely can't.
I didn't mean to imply that you should get a PCR test, only people with symptoms or those who have been advised to get one in a particular set of circumstances should get those.

Sounds like your exposure was pretty much what a lot of us are exposed to now (busier trains etc), so I don't think you need to have any concerns about going to the shops; just wear a mask.

If you got a couple of packs of lateral flow tests (with 7 tests in each?) then doing them regularly twice weekly over the next several weeks would give you the best chance to catch any potential asymptomatic infection; better than trying to figure out what the best timing for a one- off test might be.

If you do get a positive result on a lateral flow test, it would qualify you for a free confirmatory pcr test.

ETA: Only just seen your edit, scalyboy, so some of this post was probably redundant.
Hope tests turn up soon.

 

[zora]

They are being used far more broadly than that, eg for individual regular testing.

There are things that lateral flow tests should not be relied on to prove, but I would not hesitate to use them in a range of scenarios including personal use given the relatively high bar for getting a PCR test.

Yes, that's why I suggested doing regular self-tests.
I do the twice weekly tests myself - maybe it's semantics whether to consider it individual or mass testing (yes, I do it as an individual, and admittedly it does give me some degree of confidence, but I'm also plugged in to the system of many other people doing the same thing).

I just wanted to caution against the idea that you could pinpoint a time after a tube journey or other exposure and rule out infection with a LFT.

 

[scalyboy]

Sounds like your exposure was pretty much what a lot of us are exposed to now (busier trains etc), so I don't think you need to have any concerns about going to the shops; just wear a mask...

If you got a couple of packs of lateral flow tests (with 7 tests in each?) then doing them regularly twice weekly over the next several weeks would give you the best chance to catch any potential asymptomatic infection;

Thanks - it was just that because I'd been shielding and then working from home, infrequently going on public transport, yesterday's packed trains (plus coughing and sneezing maskless passengers!) took me by surprise a bit.

That's it, packs of 7. And hopefully more in the post.

 

[existentialist]

Thanks - re. PCR testing, my understanding was that you could only get an NHS PCR test if you have symptoms (or pay large amounts of £££ to a private clinic).
I've got a couple of packs of the free NHS lateral flow tests and was going to do one today, then thought maybe I should wait if they are in short supply. I had heard they are less accurate than PCR and that some advice recommends if you get a positive test, do another test the next day to be more sure.

Was going to go out to the shops but it was nothing urgent, so can wait - just some porridge oats, and some peanuts for the squirrels.

Edited to add: have just ordered some lateral flow tests so it will be instructive to see how long they take to arrive, if there really is a shortage.

PS I reckon you're right about my getting into twice weekly testing rather than doing it as and when, especially as I will soon be commuting and going into the work office on a regular basis again.

I've just done a PCR test (part of the Zoe study). That's an appalling amount of blood they need - it's nearly a fingerful, FFS!

(and I managed to spill at least as much as I got into the tiny little pot)

 

[colacubes]

I've just done a PCR test (part of the Zoe study). That's an appalling amount of blood they need - it's nearly a fingerful, FFS!

(and I managed to spill at least as much as I got into the tiny little pot)

PCR test is a swab of the throat and nose usually. You sure you're not doing an antibody test?

 

[two sheds]

You been watching The Blood Donor recently?

 

[elbows]

Before this pandemic ZOE were doing things like getting people to eat 'specially formulated muffin meals' and then testing their blood.

 

[existentialist]

PCR test is a swab of the throat and nose usually. You sure you're not doing an antibody test?

Sorry, yes, it's an antibody test, not a PCR one.

 

[scalyboy]

I've just done a PCR test (part of the Zoe study). That's an appalling amount of blood they need - it's nearly a fingerful, FFS!

(and I managed to spill at least as much as I got into the tiny little pot)

I'm on an ONS survey where you self-test every 5 weeks; previously they were just taking nose/throat swab samples, but the last 2 or 3 times (i.e. after the vaccine rollout) they've taken blood too, to check antibody levels. They tried getting people to do self-tests for blood with those disposable lancet devices into the tip of a finger, but I couldn't get more than a tiny drop and the feller said "don't worry, hardly anyone can manage it".

Now they're still using these devices but the health visitor does it. This week she got a surprising amount of claret from me, I was also thinking Hancock (Tony, not the philandering twat)

Were you using something like this (image)? Did you do it yourself? If so you're a better man than me, I just couldn't extract enough blood. I'd be a rubbish vampire

 

[existentialist]

I'm on an ONS survey where you self-test every 5 weeks; previously they were just taking nose/throat swab samples, but the last 2 or 3 times (i.e. after the vaccine rollout) they've taken blood too, to check antibody levels. They tried getting people to do self-tests for blood with those disposable lancet devices into the tip of a finger, but I couldn't get more than a tiny drop and the feller said "don't worry, hardly anyone can manage it".

Now they're still using these devices but the health visitor does it. This week she got a surprising amount of claret from me, I was also thinking Hancock (Tony, not the philandering twat)

Were you using something like this (image)? Did you do it yourself? If so you're a better man than me, I just couldn't extract enough blood. I'd be a rubbish vampire

That makes me feel better! I had no problem getting myself to bleed, but doing it in a way which didn't result in blood dripping everywhere except down the (tiny) neck of the bottle was quite a challenge...

Being on aspirin as a blood thinner probably helps, TBF...

 

[Cloo]

Quite a good article here if you need to explain things to someone about 'But why are vaccinated people still getting COVID?'

Your Vaccinated Immune System Is Ready for Breakthroughs

Getting COVID-19 when you’re vaccinated isn’t the same as getting COVID-19 when you’re unvaccinated.

www.theatlantic.com

 

[Aladdin]

Sorry, yes, it's an antibody test, not a PCR one.

I've sent off for one of those...and THEN watched the video where they described what to do.

I was a bit surprised at the way they described how I will have to "milk my finger"...

And they then said if I dont get enough blood from the little finger I can go to another finger....cos the bottle needs filling.

 

[existentialist]

I've sent off for one of those...and THEN watched the video where they described what to do.

I was a bit surprised at the way they described how I will have to "milk my finger"...

And they then said if I dont get enough blood from the little finger I can go to another finger....cos the bottle needs filling.

I didn't bother with the video, but yes, it was rather like milking, now you mention it...!

 

[poului]

Anyone know if the Covid travel test using your saliva is accepted by the British authorities when entering the UK? I'm hoping to travel to London from Madrid this Saturday but would prefer to avoid taking a test that involves anything up my nose, but also want to be sure a saliva accepted would be accepted when I travel.

 

[zora]

Anyone know if the Covid travel test using your saliva is accepted by the British authorities when entering the UK? I'm hoping to travel to London from Madrid this Saturday but would prefer to avoid taking a test that involves anything up my nose, but also want to be sure a saliva accepted would be accepted when I travel.

It's complicated! I'm just researching similar for my return flight to the UK next week.

I found this pretty up-to-date article on Which? about covid tests for travelling.

Where can I get a cheap COVID-19 test to travel? Can I get one for free? - Which? News

Ordering a COVID-19 test via your airline, holiday company or at the airport could save families hundreds of pounds

www.which.co.uk

Part-way through the article was a link to this piece from May about saliva tests which didn't seem to be acceptable at many destinations at the time, but doesn't explicitly answer your question afaict.

Covid tests available through British Airways not accepted by some major holiday destinations - Which? News

New 'Fit to Fly' saliva PCR tests may not meet current standards for Australia, Greece, Italy, Portugal and other countries

www.which.co.uk

You might want to ask again on the "Do you disapprove of people who are planning an overseas holiday this summer"-thread, as there are several people discussing test requirements for travel atm on there.

 

[poului]

It's complicated! I'm just researching similar for my return flight to the UK next week.

I found this pretty up-to-date article on Which? about covid tests for travelling.

Where can I get a cheap COVID-19 test to travel? Can I get one for free? - Which? News

Ordering a COVID-19 test via your airline, holiday company or at the airport could save families hundreds of pounds

www.which.co.uk

Part-way through the article was a link to this piece from May about saliva tests which didn't seem to be acceptable at many destinations at the time, but doesn't explicitly answer your question afaict.

Covid tests available through British Airways not accepted by some major holiday destinations - Which? News

New 'Fit to Fly' saliva PCR tests may not meet current standards for Australia, Greece, Italy, Portugal and other countries

www.which.co.uk

You might want to ask again on the "Do you disapprove of people who are planning an overseas holiday this summer"-thread, as there are several people discussing test requirements for travel atm on there.

Cheers!

 

[AmateurAgitator]

Some advice and facts for people with autoimmune diseases and other underlying health issues:

COVID Vaccine & Autoimmune Disease FAQ

Do you want to know more about the COVID-19 vaccine and autoimmune disease? We answer the most frequently asked questions on our FAQ page!

www.autoimmuneinstitute.org

COVID-19 Vaccination Considerations for Persons with Underlying Medica

If you have an underlying medical condition, this can help you make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccination.

www.cdc.gov

 

[Aladdin]

COVID-19 Vaccination Considerations for Persons with Underlying Medica

If you have an underlying medical condition, this can help you make an informed decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccination.

www.cdc.gov

Some of that is actually not so accurate. And not as up to date as may be thought. Particularly the reference to vaccines and Guillaine Barre.

GB has occurred in numbers of vaccinated patients.

Statement of the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) COVID-19 subcommittee on reports of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following adenovirus vector COVID-19 vaccines

On 13 and 20 July 2021, the COVID-19 subcommittee of the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) met virtually to discuss rare reports of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following vaccination with the Janssen and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. Both vaccines use an adenovirus...

www.who.int

 

[Cloo]

Does anyone here happen to know what the requirements are now for a 13 year old travelling to Italy? My in-laws are taking our oldest for a long weekend to Venice on Thursday as a bat mitzvah present and despite searching all combinations of words I can't find a straight answer - anything that actually just says what, if any, tests she needs to do, what evidence she needs to present at airport going out, entering Italy etc. She has had her jab, but only a fortnight ago. AFAIK she can definitely go, and she doesn't have to quarantine, but the test situation is unclear. Some sources are saying only LFTs after Monday, but can't seem to find a clear answer anywhere.

 

[_Russ_]

Quick reminder as the nights draw in............ VITAMIN D

 

[Orang Utan]

Quick reminder as the nights draw in............ VITAMIN D

We should be taking it all year round

 

[petee]

I'm shocked

Ivermectin Study Retracted After Data Found To Be Completely Wrong

A major study reported by 90 media outlets, mainly right leaning sites, has been retracted after critical flaws to data collection and analysis were identified.

crooksandliars.com

 

[zahir]

Thread

Improving the early identification of COVID-19 pneumonia: a narrative review | BMJ Open Respiratory Research

bmjopenrespres.bmj.com

Delayed presentation of COVID-19 pneumonia increases the risk of mortality and need for high-intensity healthcare. Conversely, early identification of COVID-19 pneumonia grants an opportunity to intervene early and thus prevent more complicated, protracted and less successful hospital admissions. To improve the earlier detection of COVID-19 pneumonia in the community we provide a narrative review of current evidence examining the clinical parameters associated with early disease progression...

 

[Mation]

On why we should trust a positive lateral flow test.

 

[elbows]

Yeah I get a bit depressed when people here have a positive lateral flow test but then have a negative PCR and conclude they dont have Covid. Especially as it feels somehow cruel to point out to them right then that false PCR negatives are a thing, so I tend to stay silent.

 

[elbows]

On that same theme: