Getting A Covid-19 Test

[LadyDTM]

I work as a chemist, coming into direct contact with patients and staff. Can i request a test for staff, if so, where/who from. I have a cough, last 2 days, but ive recently had a cold so think its part of that, would like to be certain though

[bookbinder]

https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19

[bednobs]

you need to contact 111 if you think you need a test.

[webbo3]

if you think you have it you should be at home.

I work on a front reception in a hospital and at the moment we are asking anyone that enter theses questions.

Do you have a new cough.
do you have a fever or high temperature.

Have you been out of the country in the last 2-4 weeks.

Do you have anyone at home who is self isolating or have you been in personal contact with someone who is.


https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

[Vagus]

As a chemist/pharmacist I’m surprised you need to ask this question on an Internet forum.

[AuntPollyGrey]

Vagus are you saying the Op is not who they say they are? That's very unkind isn't it?

[Vagus]

I’m saying no such thing, just expressing surprise.
Chemists and pharmacists are probably almost on the frontline of all this and personally I would expect them to know how and who to contact.

[-SharonA-]

I agree with Vagus. In fact was in my chemist today and they were very well informed, telling customers what to do and fielding questions.

[Peter Pedant]

// As a chemist/pharmacist I’m surprised you need to ask this question on an Internet forum.//

oh excuse you !

I am not sure why testing is ramped up as so important especially as it is a test for the virus (*) and not an antibody test (**) - but it is ( ramped up) with the conclusion that we arent testing so the govt must in some way be negligent

(*) so if it is negative today it has no power to predict whether it will be positive at any time in the future which is really what we want to know - so it is useless for that

(**) which would tell you if you have had contact with the virus in the last 10d - and wd tell you if you had antibodies whether you had to self isolate in the future which does have economic advantages ( you can work) but we dont have the test anyway and so far there isnt one


the general view now today is that children act as super spreaders - the infect but show no signs of illness - so the sensible idea is to keep away from kids if you are old.

currently - 10% case fatality italy - currently on tel now
4% case fatality in UK
BUT we dont know the case ratio ( because we dont test)

and those who croak are 20 d into their illness so there is a 20 d lag phase which shd be built in ( ie estimated)

for anyone who has heard the phrase - r-zero
we think it is 2.3 ( measles 12) that is each pt infects two and a half others ( 2 to 3 and a more accurate value is impt)

[screams from the usual suspects of - "no no I will start gnawing myself not because it will do any good but because it is a funny thing to say, " - guffaws of "of that half pt - is it the top half or the bottom half and will his wolly work?" squeals of " oh no maff - I dont do maff it is like forrin" etc etc]

[vulcan42]

PP, who's saying this:
the general view now today is that children act as super spreaders - the infect but show no signs of illness - so the sensible idea is to keep away from kids if you are old.
Apart from your good self obviously.

[LadyDTM]

Wow, some strong answers there, Thankyou anyway. In reply, yes, we are chemists, however, when I asked this question it was still quite unclear where to find new information, other that 111 site, which I advised patients to do. Yes, I do know how to advise and signpost patients, however, there were questions I could not honestly answer. The question was for the staff, who are obviously as worried as the rest of the world. Patients and customers aren't really interested in the makeup of the virus, just how long it's going to take to receive their prescription. We, along with other pharmacy's have now received more up to date information.