Should you test for Covid? How do you obtain Lateral Flow devices?
Although the restrictions and guidance on covid have relaxed it is still the case that testing yourself for covid is wise in certain situations.
The service is targeted at those individuals who are most at risk from covid and its complications. These individuals qualify and benefit from early antiviral medication against covid. Early treatment gives the best potential benefit. This is why early diagnosis is important. It explains why the government recommendation is that people obtain their free test kits and have them at home ready. People in the vulnerable groups should test if there is any slight suspicion of covid. Remember the test may be negative early in a covid illness and it might be wise to test more than once perhaps 0ne-two days apart.
Do you need to know because you are vulnerable because of age or health issues and need early warning so you can be appropriately monitored or treated. Do you simply test routinely before visiting vulnerable loved ones.
But how do you obtain the test kits. This is an expense if they are available. Frustratingly, tests are not always positive in the early stages of the illness and often a repeat test is required. Also several tests may be required at the end.
In recognition of the importance of testing the government is making free test kits available to the elderly and the health vulnerable individuals. The idea is to collect now and have the kits ready for use if you need them.
Risk Factor | Notes
|
AGED OVER 85 | Qualify automatically for free test kits, by age, |
HEART FAILURE – IF End Stage & Have long-term ventricular assistance device | Qualify for free test kits automatically, at any age |
AWAITING ORGAN TRANSPLANT/ TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS | Qualify for free test kits automatically, at any age |
IN A CARE HOME OR HOSPITAL AND OVER 70 | Qualify for free test kits automatically |
IN A CARE HOME OR HOSPITAL WITH BMI ABOVE 35 OR SUFFERING DIABETES OR HEART FAILURE | Qualify for free test kits automatically, at any age |
DOWNS SYNDROME Or other chromosomal disorder affecting immune competence. | Qualify for free test kits automatically, at any age |
CANCER | Eligibility Criteria Apply |
HAEMATOLOGICAL DISEASES/TRANSPLANTS | Eligibility Criteria Apply |
RENAL (KIDNEY) DISEASE | Eligibility Criteria Apply |
HEPATIC (LIVER) DISEASE | Eligibility Criteria Apply |
INFLAMMATORY DISORDERS TREATED WITH IMMUNE MODIFIERS | Eligibility Criteria Apply |
RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS | Eligibility Criteria Apply |
IMMUNE DEFICIENCY | Eligibility Criteria Apply |
HIV/AIDS | Eligibility Criteria Apply |
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS (DEMENTIA/PARKINSONS ETC) | Eligibility Criteria Apply |
If you are aged 85 and over or live in a nursing home it is easy you qualify. You just need to come in or send a representative to collect your pack of 5 lateral flow devices (LFD test kits). You can come in as a representative of the elderly or any other qualifying person even if they do not live in the area.
Many people with health issues qualify for free kits. The guidelines run to several pages and are complex.
We have produced a summary. The full guidelines are available. If you are unsure please pop into see us and we will check for you.
We have a good stock ready and waiting.
What if you do not qualify for free test kits. We have test kits available for £10 for a pack of five tests.
Everyone is welcome to take advice and or collect from us.
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