lateral flow test at Christmas

[Helloeveryone_]

hi everyone

I just wanted to know if anyone else feels nervous about mixing at Christmas due to COVID, this will be my first one since pandemic and I know no one will be testing, what’s anyone else doing?

thanks

[Lynneypin]

I’m still not mixing much. I couldn’t have my booster so hubby and I are spending Xmas on our own. Which we enjoy anyway. I do understand- any time I have to be in close proximity with people I get nervous!!

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Lynneypin]

Hi Lynneypin

Thanks for your reply I know what you mean about close proximity. Have a lovely Christmas.

[Naturesvalley in reply to Lynneypin]

I will be on my own this Christmas so not to bothered. I do lateral flows regularly because of my work so I know I am okay. I have also had all my boosters even though I reacted to the last one.

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Naturesvalley]

Hi Naturesvalley

Thanks for your reply and input Merry Christmas to you.

[mrsm49]

Bit nervous but I've had enough of not seeing family so they'll be around a dozen of us. I'm fully vaxxed inc flu jab and take vitD3 to support immune system so 🤞 all will be OK. It was about a month ago I got over an infection that really made my asthma worse for weeks after, asthma nurse said it sounded like covid but I had 4 negative tests. There's alot of other bugs out there. Hope you have a lovely Christmas whatever you decide to do x

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to mrsm49]

Hi mrsm49

Thanks for your reply and kind words have a lovely Christmas too.

[Bevvy]

I feel it’s time with care to start living my life and that’s with me being clinically extremely vulnerable and shielded during worse times. There are many many different bugs out there (always have been) but can’t stay at home forever.

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Bevvy]

Hi Bevvy

Thanks for your reply yes I agree with you have a lovely Christmas too.

[CallysMum]

Hi,I am just recovering from covid. It was unpleasant, like flu, but as soon as I started feeling ill I began my antibiotics. I'm left with a cough...naturally, but as had been said, life is for living. Maybe ask people to be considerate, if they feel a bit ill, to not share their germs around. Enjoy Christmas.

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to CallysMum]

Hi CallysMum

Thanks for your reply you are right too hope your cough improves and you have a lovely Christmas too.

[Cat33]

I do feel for you but I agree with Bevvy and I'm sure everyone you are mixing with has done the right thing and been fully vaccinated and there are so many bugs going round like there always have been at Christmas time when we didn't have this horrid worry of it being Covid I've had Covid twice now and was very poorly the first time but I have lost my fear of it now and we are having a lovely family get together

I really hope that you can enjoy your day and have a lovely time without worrying too much xx

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Cat33]

Hi cat33

Thanks for your reply and kind wishes, have a lovely Christmas too xx

[Cat33 in reply to Helloeveryone_]

Thank you here's to us all having a lovely time and being well xx

[Jolu29]

Hi, I feel for you , I had covid was ill 4 months with it then had some long covid this year always still wear mask. I did go to my work do dont go out much, will be mixing family . Hope you can relax and have a lovely Christmas.

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Jolu29]

Hi Jolu29

Thanks for your reply and input I will try and relax have a lovely Christmas too.

[Helloeveryone_]

Hi everyone

Thank you all for taking the time to reply I feel really tearful reading them and how lovely you all are to be so helpful.

Have a lovely Christmas everyone.

[Lynneypin in reply to Helloeveryone_]

and you. Good to get the reassuring posts from people that have had covid x

[Hidden]

Hi!

I totally understand how you’re feeling, I’ve recently had Covid and finally starting testing negative so hopefully on the road to recovery! I have always been very nervous about socialising since the pandemic, and it is so so difficult trying to juggle living your life whilst balancing your health, especially as asthmatics we’ve basically just been left to fend for ourselves… it doesn’t help now that because I’ve had it, everyone seems to think I’ll be over the anxiety of it all, it’s no big deal and not to worry, however they just don’t get it and it is so frustrating! I am worried about not just Covid again but all of the other winter bugs rife at the moment that we can’t easily test for whilst I’m still recovering from Covid… but equally I’m desperate to feel ‘normal’ and see my friends and family!

I think you just have to do what is right for you and your situation… make a plan of what you’re happy and comfortable doing and stick to it… I know of someone who has brought LFTs for her family to test before Christmas socialising… could potentially be one option, I guess it depends on how willing the person/people you are socialising with to do these tests, and obviously doesn’t help with shops and being out in public etc, even now I still get as much as possible delivered and avoid public places unless absolutely necessary. Also, a good asthma plan too in place, so that if the worst comes to the worst you know exactly what to do and how to handle it, I know some asthmatics have rescue packs of steroids and antibiotics, I don’t but if you do then make sure it’s all good to go and is in date etc before hand so you can start if ever necessary.

It’s a hard one isn’t it, especially this time of year when all we want is to be surrounded by the people we love, and everyone wants to be out and about socialising etc! Good luck and take care!

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Hidden]

Hi Nicki-Lou123

Thanks for your reply I hope you are feeling better soon.

Thanks for all the ideas of what to do I am thinking of asking people to test but then if I’m the only one asking it makes it awkward.

Like you I’ve had a lot of people around that have been very blasé all through the pandemic and I think if they’ve always been well and younger it’s easy to see why. For me that was so difficult having to constantly put my case across as to why I didn’t feel happy to do something.

Thanks again and have a lovely Christmas. X

[Hidden in reply to Helloeveryone_]

Thank you!

Yeah, it definitely is a difficult decision to ask and it’s so horrible and awkward isn’t it, especially with the lack of testing available now… I have a couple of close friends and family who I’ve never had to mention testing or any concerns to and they’ve always tested off their own backs before any socialisation at all, and others who just couldn’t care less! I do get why they feel like that though, but for us with underlying conditions it is horrible constantly feeling like you’re having to explain and justify to someone who just doesn’t get it at all!

Thank you, Merry Christmas!

[Loubprv]

hi

I actually don’t have asthmas but a blood cancer so am being careful too! We turn down invitations for large gatherings ( eg 60 at a party) because I know that rather than miss out on a good time people will toddle along even if feeling unwell) smaller gatherings, family etc I ask people to let me know if they have a sore throat cold or cough - and we don’t go. Very difficult with 3 grandchildren under 4 though!

All jolly inconvenient and frustrating.

I would suggest perhaps avoid large “dos” otherwise go out and enjoy yourself .

Happy Christmas! Best wishes Louise

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Loubprv]

Hi Louise

Thanks for your reply and it’s a good idea to ask people if they’re not feeling well to let you know.

Happy Christmas to you too. X

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I was in the shielding group and have severe asthma and I'm carrying on as normal. I get why others may be cautious and will respect that, but from my personal experience, other things have been worse for me.

In late 2019 I had RSV in December which made me miss out on a lot and messed up my asthma for ages, and then as a result of that and asthma I had an adrenal crisis in the early hours of Christmas Day. Then 2 COVID Christmases where I didn't know what was happening. I've had my flu jab and COVID booster and will be travelling for Christmas to see family/friends as I usually would - and hoping it's better than 2019!

Probably having COVID in August has also influenced me - I wouldn't recommend it and I expect earlier versions were worse, but *for me* it wasn't the worst and I can't worry all the time about what I might get when a cold can land me in hospital at times.

This is personal to me and I'm not saying it's the best way to manage it, or that others should do this - I totally understand why others might be cautious especially if you've had a bad experience with COVID or someone else close to you has. I just got fed up with missing out for illness (for all sorts of things not just Christmas), so now I don't want to miss out for 'just in case'! Though I still have to be sensible because asthma can still make me miss out and I have to weigh up benefits/risks and what else I have on.

I agree with others you need to find the balance that works for you.

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Lysistrata]

Hi Lysistrata

Thanks for your reply I can see your reasoning and also thanks for sharing your experiences.

Happy Christmas to you and hope you have a lovely one. X

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Helloeveryone_]

Thank you - the same to you! I hope you have a lovely Christmas whatever you decide, and that everyone is understanding

[DollyDutchGirl]

I was among the CEV group - and still test regularly - as do members of our family. On November 2nd, I had to attend A&E following immense pain following a series of falls. Was triaged very quickly and moved to an A&E ward where I received blood tests, x/rays etc. Fortunately, nothing was broken or obviously out of line (I have bi-lateral hip replacements). However. on 5th. November, I tested positive for Covid…reported it via the Government website - and that set the ball rolling for me to receive anti-viral meds. The NHS Covid Centre called to check numerous things / and told me that a doctor from the centre would be in touch within the next 24 hours. Less than two hour later, the doctor called and after a few minutes said that I was definitely eligible for the anti-viral medication - and that she writing up the prescription as we spoke. Early the next morning, I received a call from our local hospital pharmacy - to say the would be delivering the meds with the next 30mins!!! It was 4capsules every four hours for 5 days….and they were little short of miracle workers. They don’t cure covid but, most certainly subdue the effects of the infection. It still took two weeks before I tested negative - but, I certainly knew things were going to be fine. So my fear (and my husband’s and our family members) have definitely been alleviated. We still test regularly (I’m still allowed them free) - and intend to all gather together for Christmas…. Hopefully my tale will make you a little less concerned - just ensure that you take all the usual precautions….and hopefully, you will enjoy a wonderful Christmas. BTW - I was eventually sent home with a walking frame, heavy duty painkillers- and the recommendation that I should consider investing in a mobility scooter. My GP has also referred me to a pain management clinic…..🤦‍♀️

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to DollyDutchGirl]

Hi DollyDutchGirl

Thanks for your reply I’m glad to hear you had such great care and you recovered well.

Happy Christmas to you too. X

[mauschen in reply to DollyDutchGirl]

so glad to hear that you are on the mend

[mauschen]

I know what you mean. A few of my neighbours have Covid19 so I am getting nervous. I am sticking with immediate family so there will be 10 of us for dinner and I am not going visiting

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to mauschen]

Hi mauschen

Thanks for your reply I am only meeting with immediate family too and even then still nervous!

Have a lovely Christmas.

[mauschen in reply to Helloeveryone_]

We can only do our best, we can’t stop the virus 🦠

We owe it to all those who lost their lives to Covid19, to celebrate Christmas while we can.

[Mandevilla]

I've had my vaccines and have also had Covid back in March, so I feel if I survived it then, I will hopefully be ok if I get it again. And anyway, I could isolate myself from everyone and then end up dying from something else anyway! So I try to keep myself as healthy as possible, avoid any really crowded situations or socialising with people I don't know very well, but otherwise, live life as normal now.

[Helloeveryone_ in reply to Mandevilla]

Hi Mandevilla

Thanks for your reply and your input it’s a good point you’ve made.

Merry Christmas to you.

[pink123floyd]

My daughter an i are going to my younest sons as they were part of my safty bubble due to being the baby sitter as my son is a fireman so was still working during lockdowns .Merry xmas.xx