I think I caught a cold.

[cilla4progress]

Itchy runny nose and eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat. So, drove 35 miles into town for a test - negative.

Going to a multi-generation family function in a couple days.

Should I cancel my attendance?

[Skittles]

1. .....

I don't think you should go, cold or no cold

[cilla4progress]

2. Haha

Why not.

It's vaccinated only.

[XanaDUer2]

3. I would cancel nt

[cilla4progress]

7. Why??

...

[XanaDUer2]

9. just in case

but I tend to be a worrier. Of course, you do you

[Skittles]

17. because we are in the middle of a PANDEMIC

ya know???

VACCINATED PEOPLE CAN STILL GET COVID.

[OhioChick]

43. This.... n/t

[Hekate]

23. Cilla, you asked! So of course you are getting opinions. nt

[cilla4progress]

27. Yes - and I am happy to!

Jeez mood doesn't translate well to online!

So, I expected more people would be more casual than me - like I am being overly concerned!

Why with 2 negative covid tests in a week, small and vaccinated only guest list (20), and mostly outdoor, would you recommend against going?

Does my own cold have anything to do with it?


Hit me!

[boston bean]

4. What kind of test. Rapid or pcr?

[cilla4progress]

6. Not sure.

Got my results in a few hours

[boston bean]

15. Ok, most likely rapid. Those have lots of false negatives. I would try your doc for a pcr test.

If that is negative go.

I had two negative rapids, knowing I had it cause everyone in house had tested positive and I was sick too. They kept telling me I didn’t. Finally a week later a pcr confirmed it.

[Texaswitchy]

5. If you go wear a mask or two.

I have allergies.

I always wear masks.

[bluedevil4]

8. Funny

but not ha ha funny that we immediately think Covid. I’ve had a sore throat for two weeks and I’m wondering if I have Covid. Of course I’m vaccinated but I’m still weary 😮‍💨

[XanaDUer2]

10. everytime I sneeze

it runs through my mind

[orleans]

42. everytime i sneeze i think: "i really need to dust." (true! LOL) nt

[XanaDUer2]

47. Dayum i need to dust

I'm off work due to anxiety depression and cannot muster up the energy. I do try. In a crappy old condo tho.

[Maru Kitteh]

13. Go get checked for strep.

That's the most likely explanation for a 2wk sore throat. Go get checked for strep.

[bluedevil4]

16. lol I never thought

of strep. It’s not a bad sore throat but now you have me nervous 😬

[Maru Kitteh]

19. It doesn't have to be a bad sore throat. The one time I had strep

my ear felt a little weird, then I noticed I was "a little scratchy" on that side of my throat. Looked back there, didn't see much right away, shined a flashlight back a little further and

BAM!


Looked like I'd been visited by Freddy Kruger back there.


Strep.

[bluedevil4]

39. Thanks

I’ll do the walk-in tomorrow actually today but hopefully I’ll get some sleep

[cilla4progress]

11. Even if it isnt covid

A number here suggest I should cancel.

Hoping they will let me know why?

Could be tongue in cheek or.....

could be the less exposure to viruses overall is a good thing.

I'm thinking of wearing a mask and social distancing while there. I feel I need to come up with an innocuous excuse - like allergies?

Could be psychosomatic - several stressors - forest fires in the neighborhood...

[SoCalDavidS]

18. I Would Think The People You'll Be Around Will Feel Uncomfortable

Even though you tested negative. If you're exhibiting signs of having a cold, it would certainly make me nervous.

[liberal_mama]

52. People will be uncomfortable and think you have covid. And if it's just a cold, it's not right to

give other people a cold either. My son had to be homeschooled before Covid because he has asthma and even a minor cold was a trigger for him. If you are sick, you should just stay home.

[treestar]

54. +1

if it is a cold and not Covid, people can catch colds from others, and who needs that - even before the pandemic.

[Maru Kitteh]

12. I test people for COVID, PCR and POC, for a living

1) what kind of test did you get?
2) how long was it till you got results?
3) when did your symptoms start?
4) how many days later did you test?
5) do you suspect you were exposed to someone who may have had COVID?
6) were you in any crowded settings (10 or more people less than 12 ft away) either indoors or outdoors in the last 10 days before your symptoms started?

[cilla4progress]

20. Answers

1. Antigen FIA
2. 4 hours
3. Late weekend
4. Twice in past week! Participating in a study, so, last Wednesday. And then today.
5. Not covid but possibly cold virus. Asymptomatic, if so.
6. One week ago I sat in my medium size car parked with the windows partly open and did a meeting with a client who is unvaccinated. I had a mask on part of the time. She none. I went to an outdoor party Saturday night.

[Maru Kitteh]

25. RE answers

1. Antigen FIA - Antigen tests are slightly less reliable than PCR testing, which is what you would typically get at one of those drive-thru tent type sites.
2. 4 hours - I asked this to try to narrow down what type of test it was in case you didn't know. Interestingly enough, some PCRs can be done in 4 hours but usually only for high-level priority patients like healthcare workers or maybe someone else who would need to know immediately because of who they may have contacted.
3. Late weekend - Last weekend I'm assuming from your other answers.
4. Twice in past week! Participating in a study, so, last Wednesday. And then today. - If your symptoms started on the 7th and 8th, the ideal window for testing you with a POC/antigen test was the 10th through the 15th or yesterday at the latest, then the chances of false negatives begin to increase again.
5. Not covid but possibly cold virus. Asymptomatic, if so. - Well, we'll call that an unknown I guess.
6. One week ago I sat in my medium size car parked with the windows partly open and did a meeting with a client who is unvaccinated. I had a mask on part of the time. She none. I went to an outdoor party Saturday night. - Both of those are possible exposures.

Given your onset of symptoms, the fact that you took 2 tests, and the time those tests were taken, I don't think you have COVID, but it would be prudent to wear a well-fitting mask while around others until your symptoms resolve. As always of course, use hand sanitizer and wash your hands often.

Be well!


~ MK

[cilla4progress]

28. Oh man....

all my years on here with the ups and dowsn..

your post made it all worth it!!

Thanks!

Also - symptoms started on the15th, so, only a couple days. Don't get sick much - I'm a tough old bird!

[Maru Kitteh]

33. Ok well, hold that thought then.

If your symptoms started on the 15th that kind of changes everything. Sorry.

Your most accurate days for testing with a POC/antigen test are 3 to no more than 6-7 days after symptoms appear, presuming you are still symptomatic at testing.

My best advice? Go get the PCR so you know for sure. They do NOT have to do those deep, invasive, "brain tickler" type tests anymore, just a simple nasal swab like you just did.

Either that or test with a POC at least once, preferably twice within your optimum test period.


Advice about the well-fitting mask of course stays the same.

[cilla4progress]

37. First test was a few days before symptoms,

2nd test was 2-3 days after onset of symptoms. Only had the symptoms since Sunday.

Do you know how I ask for a PCR test? Where I can get one?

Maybe it doesn't matter..not gonna go to family party. Not willing to chance it. Bummer. Husband sleeping separately tonight.

I've never had a cold like this with more itching than anything.

Oh and low temp - I am either running cold or another new thermometer isn't working! Miss the old mercury ones.

[cilla4progress]

38. First test was a few days before symptoms,

2nd test was 2-3 days after onset of symptoms. Only had the symptoms since Sunday.

Do you know how I ask for a PCR test? Where I can get one?

Maybe it doesn't matter..not gonna go to family party. Not willing to chance it. Bummer. Husband sleeping separately tonight.

I've never had a cold like this with more itching than anything.

Oh and low temp - I am either running cold or another new thermometer isn't working! Miss the old mercury ones.

[Maru Kitteh]

44. PCR test *may catch an infection before symptoms, POC likely will not

If your second test was on day 2 of symptoms, it was still a little early. Day 3 would be more accurate.

You can get a PCR test at most testing sites. They usually have a phone number you can call. I would compare a few test sites to see who can get you your results in the most timely matter.

I did have one patient who reported unusual skin sensations with her COVID, but itching like that sounds like allergies to me. If you are not allergic to loratadine or benadryl I would try one of those and see if that alleviates your symptoms.

I miss mercury thermometers too.

[cilla4progress]

48. Yes,

it was kind of between day 2 and 3.

Going to call Wallgreen's and see if they offer PCR and how long for results. My niece and her toddler son wont be there till Saturday. My 93 year old MIL is vaccinated. Everyone else is an adult and vaccinated.

I've let my fam know and we are discussing. I will mask when I'm around others - staying in our camper out in a far part of the yard.

Thank you - what a treasure you are - you've been so helpful!!

[femmedem]

22. At work, we are planning an outdoor educational tour that will likely have about twenty attendees.

I am in a high transmission area--about 13 cases/day in a city of less than 30,000---but also a high vaccine rate area.

It caught my attention that you're asking if the OP was in an outdoor setting with ten or more people less than twelve feet away. I've been wondering if we should cancel, or if requiring masks will be enough. Do you think even an outdoor, masked event is too risky?

[Maru Kitteh]

26. I would attend a masked outdoor event, no problem

Just stay the H away from anyone who isn't masked.

I myself have tested vaccinated, young healthy people who contracted COVID at an outdoor event. No masks on anyone, letting it all fly like it was 2019.

Masks work.

[femmedem]

30. Thank you so much for getting back to me.

That makes me feel more at ease. We'll make sure everyone is masked, and we have a voice amplifier for the tour guide so he'll be audible even with his mask on.

[femmedem]

34. Thank you so much for getting back to me.

That makes me feel more at ease. We'll make sure everyone is masked, and we have a voice amplifier for the tour guide so he'll be audible even with his mask on.

[Hortensis]

31. Great. View into the process of analysis worthwhile for all.

Thanks, Maru Kitteh.

[Maru Kitteh]

35. Oh thank you. I hope some find it helpful.

[ShazzieB]

41. I have found this quite informative myself!

I dud not know that much about covid testing before this. I have been tested for covid only once (when I was scheduled for a routine colonoscopy and they required a covid test a few days beforehand). I didn't ask any questions, but I know it was negative, because they would have called me to tell me so (and canceled the procedure) otherwise. I'm learning quite a bit reading this thread.

[Phoenix61]

14. I'd test again as close to the pull the plug date.

As far as going at all, you know you and your risk factors and your family. Be safe and have fun.

[GoCubsGo]

21. Are you in an area that is getting a lot of wildfire smoke?

Those are also the same symptoms of allergies and breathing in air that's full of particulate matter.

[cilla4progress]

29. Yes, thanks for asking.

Year after year, my tolerance seems to be decreasing, not increasing.

[Bev54]

24. Perhaps you should ask those who will be there

If they don't want you to go then you should respect their wishes.

[Baitball Blogger]

32. Take zinc supplements. If it's a cold it will get better in a couple of days.

[Johonny]

36. Colds can take up to a week to be non-infectious

best to hit cancel.

[smirkymonkey]

40. There has been a pretty bad summer cold going around. I had it last

week and thought it might be Covid so I got tested (Pcr) and luckily it ended up being negative, so I am on the mend. It wasn't until I spoke to a number of my other friends that I realized that they were also sick with the same thing and knew others who were sick as well, so it's definitely making the rounds, at least here in New England.

Anyway, just take care of yourself and rest and hopefully the symptoms will go away soon. The good thing about this one is that it didn't drag on. It was over pretty quickly. However, I would get a Covid PCR test just to be on the safe side.

[cilla4progress]

46. Dont these tests take a few days to get results?

Mine was antigen. I read 99.5% effective.

Symptoms much better today! I rarely get colds, and when I do, they resolve fast. This one was 2-3 days. I'm going to ask my niece - new mom with unvaccinated toddler, and also wedding party their thoughrs.

So glad I asked here - thanks to all for your input!

[smirkymonkey]

50. Sometimes it can take up to a few days. I got mine at MGH (Mass General Hospital)

early on a Tuesday and the result was posted by Wednesday evening, so I think it depends upon the facility. MGH is pretty good about turning lab results around on time.

Glad you are feeling better today!

[Elessar Zappa]

45. I would go.

Wear a good mask.

[scarytomcat]

49. Why can't we understand that if you are sick with even a cold you should stay home.

We speed colds, flu, and now covid because we don't stay away from other people when we are sick.

[pwb]

51. I am staying put a while longer.

Turns out I don't miss people that much. And they me.

[cilla4progress]

53. In case anyone is interested and still reading this thread,

here is the plan and update:

Woke up with no symptoms (sneezy, itchy runny nose - possibly a cold?). Last thing I took last night was allergy pills. Not surprised I'm better because I rarely get sick (very fortunate) and when I do, typically short-lived. I am good about hydrating - usually 60 ozs. water daily. I attribute much of my good health to this!

Extensive convo with niece (mother of toddler) and nephew (wedding party groom) and daughter (head screwed on right). Came up with plan all are comfortable with -

One more antigen test on way out of town driving 5 hours to make-up wedding party (from 2020) at Grandma's. If it's negative, as expected, that will be 3 negative antigen tests in a week - one pre-cold symptoms (part of a covid study I'm in), one on 3rd day of symptoms (yesterday - sneezy, itchy, runny nose), one tomorrow.

Will wear mask around family, which is mostly outdoors.

Now I have to find outfits to match my turquoise N95 mask!

Thanks for all the input here - you helped inform my decision and I appreciate ALLof you!