Menopause Matters Forum
General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: Haydo on December 27, 2021, 04:05:20 PM
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How many of you are doing lateral flow tests before meeting up with others? I have asked everyone we have seen over the Christmas period to carry out a test, as have we, and no-one has had a problem with it. I know other families are doing the same. Now my unvaccinated, anti-vax DIL who we have not seen for months, is refusing to do one prior to meeting up next weekend. My reaction is no test, no visit, but I am being made to feel as if I’m the one being unreasonable. What are your thoughts?
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I'm triple vaxed but have never taken a test, and don't intend to unless I have symptoms. The only family members that do them have to for work purposes.
If I was asked to do one for a social occasion I just wouldn't go.
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I had to do a lateral flow test every time I visited my Mum who was on end of life care in her care home.
I would not do a LFT to go to a social event. I am like Aprilflower, fully vaxed and don’t really mix with other people anyway.
They do say that LFTs are not that accurate and often give a false positive.
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Exactly right. You can test negative in the morning and positive in the afternoon. What's the point??
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Haydo, I don't think you are being at all unreasonable. I do one if I am going to meet anyone vulnerable, and would certainly do a LFT if it would put anyone's mind at rest. They are no trouble to do. My advice is to stand your ground.
JP x
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Maybe I should clarify, my DIL works with the homeless, and we have our 93 year old mother-in-law staying with us, who is vulnerable. My son agrees with me and will take a test before coming rather than cause any risk to his grandmother. I will be standing my ground, but I just feel that I have caused an issue between my son and his wife, which I really didn’t want to do.
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Trouble is there is no guarantee a negative result is accurate.
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OK so lateral flows are not a fun thing, but they work. A positive needs checking with a PCR. Big deal. Take tests for all of our sakes. ::)
Yes I do test for work and I am doing them to socialise. Small inconvenience. Big risks averted. The pandemic ends sooner. Dear ladies, we have had our vaccinations so we
are much safer for ourselves, but we all can get over ourselfs to be good friends and neighbours 🤷♀️ Everybody matters and this covid can make life difficult for anybody who gets it. Not all people who are vulnerable to it are obvious.
Merry Christmas everybody. 🎅 🤶 Enjoy a safe time for everybody ;D
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No LFT no visit purely on her attitude. What has she read, false news wise, to make her go against the grain?
The tests often show false results when they are not taken properly. It has to make you gag so that you have reached the active parts and should make you sneeze. Most of our germs are in the nose.
We have to use them prior to a dental visit, going to see vulnerable people and when going into company not often seen. No one objects, it's a reality of current Life-style. Quite frankly, if she refuses then she wouldn't be visiting without a mask! However, we all carry strepB and salmonella in our noses, as well as MRSA - all biggies when the immune system is low.
It's not when you test positive but how soon after catching a virus that it gets passed on. Even after testing negative we are still able to pass it on ............
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Also, until we know how many people carry anti-bodies and how long those are active for, we won't get a hold on this virus completely until it wears itself out . I don't think that many has been admitted to Hospital with omicron, those have on the whole, been unvaccinated people.
The NHS is overwhelmed usually at this time of year - from about mid-October to March - it's not something that the public get to learn about.
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I know a family of 10 locally - 2 have positive PCRs in the last week, all lateral flow testing every other day and none are mixing until negative PCRs are returned. Two are medics who although symptom and virus free, have to isolate until 24 hours after the negative PCRs come back.
All vaccinated at least twice.
A friend has had the Virus 3 times: once B4 being vaccinated and twice since .......... due for a booster mid-January.
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I'm testing twice a week and also before meeting with others such as in the pub. Partner is daily testing at work anyway All of my younger friends are doing this and my sons also requested that we all did a test on the morning of Christmas Eve. It was great seeing the photos of each negative test coming in one after the other and Christmas at my house was finally happening. If someone is not prepared to test before coming round to my house then I would see that as them being selfish and would ask them not to come. There is no point in thinking you have no symptoms so you are fine when the lateral flow tests are for use in exactly this situation. I have five friends who all tested positive the week before Christmas with no symptoms at all. Even if we are not going to be seriously ill it's still something I want to avoid much like norovirus or flu.
Taz x
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It's all purely academic in my area anyway. No local chemists have stock since before Christmas. We have friends who have stock piled them and are searching for more. Nuts.
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How selfish can you get? She works in an environment where it's very likely she's in close proximity to infected people and she won't take a test to protect a vulnerable old lady. She wouldn't step foot in my house under the circumstances. She's putting you in an impossible situation expecting you put your MIL at risk. Lateral flow tests are more likely to show false negatives, I think false positives are rare.
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Also, until we know how many people carry anti-bodies and how long those are active for, we won't get a hold on this virus completely until it wears itself out . I don't think that many has been admitted to Hospital with omicron, those have on the whole, been unvaccinated people.
The NHS is overwhelmed usually at this time of year - from about mid-October to March - it's not something that the public get to learn about.
The majority Of people in hospital with covid ARE vaccinated. Only 36% are not vaccinated.
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I don’t think that it’s that she doesn’t want to visit. We get on very well. She is gluten free and had asked me to get specific bread to cater for her. Normally I would tend to let the whole anti-vax thing and not being vaccinated wash over me, and as long as she had no symptoms that would be ok. It is purely because of MIL, and in view of rising case rates in the area where we live I just think we should do all we can to make everything as risk free as possible. We had already all agreed that there would be no hugging/kissing of MIL and everyone visiting would keep their distance from her, plus I will open windows periodically. MIL has also asked that everyone should do a LTF, and she was really looking forward to seeing all the family together. She is very upset and cannot understand why she won’t do a quick test, just to keep her happy if nothing else.
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The majority Of people in hospital with covid ARE vaccinated. Only 36% are not vaccinated.
I think this is a little misleading. The majority of people in hospital are old and the majority of old people have been vaccinated so you could reasonably expect this. I can't find the article now but they've also said the majority of people in intensive care with covid are unvaccinated (pretty sure it was over 60%).
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Twitter thread on how difficult it is to do the test correctly. By following the leaflet instructions, a false negative is more likely.
https://twitter.com/annavshelton/status/1475043925287124992?t=SdOpJt-QiUuhSL0kcc1tDg&s=19
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https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-do-a-lateral-flow-device-lfd-test-at-home
https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/how-likely-positive-lateral-flow-test-covid-19-be-wrong
I do not understand why lovely people do not read instructions. It reads like the person on twitter who is not a medical practitioner is not really interested in reading the information. The nose test only kit works because the virus is found in the nose as well as the throat so nose only swab is just as good and not as uncomfortable to do. :)
Simple :)
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The majority Of people in hospital with covid ARE vaccinated. Only 36% are not vaccinated.
I think this is a little misleading. The majority of people in hospital are old and the majority of old people have been vaccinated so you could reasonably expect this. I can't find the article now but they've also said the majority of people in intensive care with covid are unvaccinated (pretty sure it was over 60%).
This is a checked report. If look at the most seriously ill these are more likely to be unvaccinated... https://fullfact.org/health/dr-hilary-lorraine-kelly-90-percent/
Omicron will be making a different situation plus vaccinated people in ICU more often than not have compromised immunity. It is more complicated than doing a few lateral flows ;) ;D
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I have to test twice a week for work. I have no problem doing this, also have a anti vaccine in family, tried to persuade to no avail. I have seen what long COVID can do and if I can protect myself and others by doing these tests then I will carry on for as long as we have to.
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https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-do-a-lateral-flow-device-lfd-test-at-home
https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/how-likely-positive-lateral-flow-test-covid-19-be-wrong
I do not understand why lovely people do not read instructions. It reads like the person on twitter who is not a medical practitioner is not really interested in reading the information. The nose test only kit works because the virus is found in the nose as well as the throat so nose only swab is just as good and not as uncomfortable to do. :)
Simple :)
I think you miss read the post, that's the opposite of what was said. They are saying nose only is not enough but throat as well should be done. This is contrary to the instructions on the newer tests.
Nose only gave a negative, nose and throat a positive. The positive was confirmed by a PCR.
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I think the issue is that it is not necessarily if the LFT is 100% reliable or not, it’s that MIL will feel reassured if everyone takes one. Obviously no-one will attend if they feel even slightly unwell. She had no Christmas last year and at her age how many more does she have to look forward to? There isn’t the opportunity to all get together very frequently. The last time was outside in the Summer when we had a family bbq. She just doesn’t understand why DIL won’t take one and neither do I. She is getting more and more upset and I am trying to put a face on things for her benefit, but I feel pretty upset myself. What should be something nice to look forward to on New Years Day is turning into a whole needless problem, as the rest of the family are angry about it and are venting at me too!
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Have you told DiL how upset Mum is feeling?
Most people in hospital with C-19 are unvaccinated - Prof Whitty has said so recently as have other medics giving reports.
Also, must bugs live in the nose - some at the back which is why throat testing, has in this pandemic, been recommended. It really does depend on which bug is being tested.
Hopefully a quiet word with DiL Haydo ? do let us know what she decides. What shouldn't happen of course is for her to tell everyone that she has done a test when in reality :-\
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Yes my son has told her, and my son would make sure she didn’t lie about taking a test. At present he is saying he’ll come on his own. It’s causing arguments between them. A ripple effect, and sadly it’s going to impact on the gathering whatever she decides in the end. I wish I’d never suggested it.
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Of course you do, however - you are not responsible for her reaction to your suggestion. She is responsible! You put the idea out there .......... of course, it's a free country, democratic country and she should accept that in this instance, she is out voted.
Would your Mum speak to her? MayB suggest a 'phone call during the afternoon from DiL to Mum? It might be worth asking that, should DinL have a stomach bug or heavy cold would she visit? Might help to veer away from the 'not vaccinated' topic?
Sadly families do have knock on effects ........... sometimes not in a positive way. xx
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Sounds sensible to me Minusminne.
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https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-do-a-lateral-flow-device-lfd-test-at-home
https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/how-likely-positive-lateral-flow-test-covid-19-be-wrong
I do not understand why lovely people do not read instructions. It reads like the person on twitter who is not a medical practitioner is not really interested in reading the information. The nose test only kit works because the virus is found in the nose as well as the throat so nose only swab is just as good and not as uncomfortable to do. :)
Simple :)
I think you miss read the post, that's the opposite of what was said. They are saying nose only is not enough but throat as well should be done. This is contrary to the instructions on the newer tests.
Nose only gave a negative, nose and throat a positive. The positive was confirmed by a PCR.
Ah! I think I misread like you say :) But if it is thought about the lady could have had a negative flow test but then become infectious afterwards which is why she had a positive PCR?
Covid virus is tricky.
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Yes Minusminnie you’re right. I have spoken with MIL and said that the important thing is that my son is still coming, and although it would be lovely if DIL could come too she must be allowed to make her own mind up. I have spoken to the rest of the family and asked them to drop it and not to make a big deal of it for my sake, my son’s sake and MIL’s sake. The main thing is to concentrate on making it an enjoyable day for MIL. Hopefully that is an end to it. Thanks everyone.
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Wise, very wise!
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:foryou:
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We have the same thing here but they're called Rapid Tests and they're being given out, for free, and good luck if you need to get one. People have been stockpiling them and selling them on eBay or Marketplace for a pretty profit. Another issue is having enough in the schools, as the children are supposedto go back to school this coming Monday. ::)
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I'm sure the family will enjoy the day whether she goes or not. Did she give you a reason for not taking the test? Just curious if there's a good reason.
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Unfortunately Sheila99 my DIL is anti-vax, anti-lockdown etc and buys into the conspiracy theory. I have tried not to say anything, although my son is fully vaccinated and thinks she is being ridiculous, and to keep out of it as it is causing problems between them. Basically her reason is ‘why do I need to take a test for something that does not exist/is just a cold?’ Her choice not to have vaccinations etc and to believe what she wants to, but I don’t understand why she won’t just take a simple test. Needless to say she won’t be coming.
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That's good that she won't be there. It may be put everyone on edge. Well done on DS deciding to visit, sometimes partners have to agree to disagree. Will there be :cupcake:
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We got a box of lateral flow tests when we had our vaccine. Like gold dust now.
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Put them on e-Bay ;) .......
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We got a box of lateral flow tests when we had our vaccine. Like gold dust now.
Us too but using them twice a week they soon disappear. Managed to get a box each last week and OH will be back to using the ones at work next week so that will save some. They've got a stash :)
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Odd how that differs in various health authorities then, we weren't offered any. Why would they :-\
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You have to ask? That was a while ago now and you now need a collection code to pick them up. Well that's how we had to do it the last two times. No code no test kits.
Taz :-\
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You have to ask? That was a while ago now and you now need a collection code to pick them up. Well that's how we had to do it the last two times. No code no test kits.
Taz :-\
I haven't needed a code but, last time I coll6from a lateral flow test centre, I was only allowed 1 box of 7.
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No code required here - 1 could go along to various points in the nearest town and ask. However, unless 1 went to the nearest town, that info wasn't generally available.
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You need a code at our Boots
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No code required here - 1 could go along to various points in the nearest town and ask. However, unless 1 went to the nearest town, that info wasn't generally available.
Is that this week? Ours changed ten days ago in that without a collection code you couldn't have any.
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Last week. Boxes were being handed out near supermarkets, the local library ........
Someone suggested that LFT has altered in the way the sample is taken?
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Yes the new ones are just the nose only and the results are quicker.
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:thankyou: less invasive.
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I visited 5 pharmacies this morning (not for LFT kits) but they all had signs up to say they had none left. People were joining queues and getting to the door and then seeing the sign.
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Sounds like WWII - why didn't some shout "there's a sign here saying ......... " ::)