Summer COVID UK

[Cassandra61]

Hiya, I have ET JAK2 and several of my friends have come down with COVID.

I was wondering if anyone knew if we were eligible for free COVID tests in the UK and how to go about it ? Can we also get the anti virals if the worst comes to the worst and I do get it? I looked online and couldn't make much sense of the advice.

Thank you as ever to you all for the advice and support, love this group.

[RomaJG]

Hi, to be honest I don’t know if we can get free tests (I bought my last lot) but we can get anti virals. If you test positive, either call your GP or your clinical nurse specialist (I’d recommend the latter). They’ll then get your local Covid hub to call you who’ll assess whether you should get the anti viral. If you are, the medication will be delivered to you. I’m CALR and had tested positive last week and got the anti viral.

[Cassandra61 in reply to RomaJG]

Hiya thanks so much for your reply. So sorry you tested positive but glad you got the antivirals and I really hope you are feeling better now.

[EGMumma]

I thought we could go to a pharmacy and pick up free tests. They don't send them to you anymore. I had the anti virals the second time I had COVID and glad I did, symptoms weren't nearly as bad and didn't last as long. You do have to get them at the very start of the illness though. Fingers crossed you don't catch it x

[Cassandra61 in reply to EGMumma]

🤞🤞Still all good so crossing everything. You can get free tests and I have just been to get mine from my pharmacy. I used the link in the reply below, ( thank you very much) and took every letter and bit information. They didn't need any of this and it was fuss free. Thanks a lot for your reply, stay safe.

[drakelet]

Yes, we are eligible and can collect free tests from participating pharmacies (my local Tesco pharmacy gave me a 5-pack). Here's the relevant NHS page to find participating pharmacies near to you: nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmac...

[Cassandra61 in reply to drakelet]

Thanks so much for replying and for the brilliant link, it really helped me out and set my mind at peace. Thanks so much.

[Ebot]

Yes you can! I got mine from the local pharmacist a few weeks back when I was down with Covid. You may need to have your NHS number handy so they can cross check with your vaccine record.

Seems to be a mixed response when it comes to anti virals. By the time I tested for Covid it was too late for Paxlovid. But having taken it once before I wasn’t in a hurry to repeat. But if you’re really anxious about respiratory symptoms then definitely call 111.

[Cassandra61 in reply to Ebot]

Thanks so much for your reply. I had Paxlovid last time and ended up with the rebound infection having it twice . I have the tests now which at least is something.

[MWxxxx]

I get my free lateral flow tests from Boots but it is not always easy. Even though I have my hospital prescriptions delivered there, I still need to produce all my documentation in relation to diagnosis, medications and the old letter I had from Haematology to show I may be eligible for covid treatments. These documents are examined every time I collect a box of tests. Only certain pharmacies have signed up with the Government to issue these free tests and I believe they have to evidence who they have given them too. They are not given any incentive to do this, so many don't. Additionally, there can be shortages because each pharmacy is only given a small number that can be used as free tests. It took me six attempts to collect a box and only managed to get some this week. I would have bought some if I was desperate but at the same time I feel that we get very little support for our conditions and the support we do get we have to jump through hoops for. I guess I am just being stubborn but if I am entitled to it then it puts me off paying.

[Cassandra61 in reply to MWxxxx]

Thanks so much for your reply. What an utter pain that they make this so difficult for us when it is in everyone's interest to test and then not spread it around. I hope you stay well.

[azaelea]

Hi Cassandra, I’ve just caught Covid on Sunday and as my routine telephone call with Haematologist was on Monday I asked my Haemo if I could get the antivirals through that department. Answer was “No” things have changed. However my GP has been most helpful and sent particulars to Covid hub who after telephone calls and questions sent prescription to local Chemist who obtained it quickly and delivered it. The Dr. At Covid place said we are definitely entitled to free Testing kits which I’ve also received. Got loads in cupboard out of date! I sincerely hope you manage to avoid getting it. Best wishes, Fran

[Cassandra61 in reply to azaelea]

Hi, I hope you are feeling better today and that you have got the antivirals eventually. I have just come home with my free tests following everyone's advice so at least I feel a bit more prepared. Take care and stay safe.

[azaelea in reply to Cassandra61]

Hi Cassandra, wish I could say I was feeling better, but still feeling very ill. It’s Day 4 for me and 7 for my husband. I received the Antivirals on Tuesday afternoon and took first lot that evening . I’ve to take 4 capsules together morning and night for 5 days. Not easy as they’re big capsules! Hoping they work eventually. It’s worrying as we’re both 88 so hoping we can eventually throw it off.

So glad you managed to get some free Tests. Keep safe and take care.

[Cassandra61 in reply to azaelea]

Bless you this sounds horrible, crossing everything that the antivirals kick in this evening and you start to feel better. Take care

[Hombre]

Hi Cassandra, you can look up on Google which pharmacies supply the free tests. I just went to my local Tesco with the details of my MPN as well as my NHS number. They fill in a form, and then hand over the tests. Very easy. Good luck