The UK is bracing for another Covid-19 wave as the number of cases has risen following the return to school and lower temperatures.
The autumn Covid-19 booster jab is currently being rolled out in a drive to protect vulnerable groups before the onset of winter.
like you develop symptomsthe best way to confirm if you have the virus is to do a lateral flow test.
But since the government canceled free Covid-19 tests on April 1many wonder where exactly to get one.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Where can I buy lateral flow tests?
There is a list of government approved providers from which it is recommended to buy tests – you can find the full updated list at gov.uk.
However, you don’t need to buy a test from any of these providers – you can also buy them from high street pharmacies, but you can’t report the result of a privately purchased LFT on the government website.
Boots sells some Flowflex lateral flow test kits for £2 – or you can save money by buying in bulk.
Flowflex lateral flow tests can also be purchased at super drug for £1.95 a pop – or £5.79 for a pack of three.
You can buy individual tests at: Lloyd’s for £1.70 or a ten pack for £17.
What are the main symptoms of Covid?
- persistent cough
- High temperature, fever or chills
- Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
- shortness of breath
- Unexplained fatigue, lack of energy
- Muscle aches or pain that is not the result of exercise
- Not wanting to eat or not being hungry
- Headache that is unusual or lasts longer than usual
- Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- Diarrhea, feeling sick or being sick
Who can still get free Covid tests?
There are a few groups of people who are still entitled to free testing.
They are as follows:
- NHS staff looking after patients
- Hospital patients requiring pre-treatment PCRs
- Residents of nursing homes
- People who work in high-risk environments, including care homes and prisons
- Hospital patients discharged to care homes or hospices
If you’re still eligible, maybe you can to order LFTs online (if you have an NHS login), or by calling 119.
In addition, people who go to the hospital can also access free testing.
Check the letter your hospital sent you to see if you should take a test or not.
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