Many people including those with no history of anxiety are very concerned about the covid situation. Each of us have to weigh up different factors to determine the risk versus the benefit. Some people don't know anyone who has been seriously affected by covid and therefor think there is nothing to worry about. After my dtr caught Covid in the UK with very mild symptoms (she is young fit and healthy and works in health care so takes all the precautions to keep as safe as possible so probably only got a low dose of virus) her brother told me that proved covid is nothing to worry about. This attitude ignores the fact these people with mild symptoms can be very infectious before they realise they have covid and can transmit it to others who are vulnerable.

My other dtr and SIL work as health professionals and have a number of clients who have caught covid & been extremely ill or died. My Dtr & SIL are very careful re covid avoiding any situations where they could catch it because they don't want to risk passing it on to a client. Similarly our son who lives near us if very careful as his wife works with elderly vulnerable people and he sees us often so doesn't want to infect my hsb who is vulnerable. He has taken his kids for Covid tests many times when they are sick so they can then attend a GP to get proper treatment for whatever they have with the evidence that it isn't covid. (He won't visit us if anyone in the family has any illness whatsoever to protect us. His kids love school and really missed it during remote learning so he also doesn't want his family be the one attending school with Covid and having the school closed as an exposure site. For myself I don't want to risk attending an exposure site as this would mean we can't have therapists or support workers in our house to assist my hsb. Obviously if it happened I would deal with it but I want to do everything possible to avoid that situation.

My hsb & I are fully vaccinated along with all my children. My grandchildren in Australia will get vaccinated as soon as they are able (They are under 12) I am not worried about becoming seriously ill from covid as the vax should stop that but I don't want to spread the disease if I can help it.

Avoiding pubs gyms or events where you feel there is a chance of catching Covid is a sign you are a sensible person caring for the community. NOT a crazy over-anxious person.

Hi rx, that's kind of u to acknowledge medical staff today. Thanks for reminding us all. I don't know any drs or nurses but I see online so,e amazing ppl working to provide as many tests as possible to ppl. So much behind the scenes. Wander how they manage their anxiety as well.

It's easier sometimes to shut it all out for some of us, turn off the TV etc. Must be hard for those who can't as they live and work amongst it daily.

Something l've wondered for ages now.

Does anyone have any explanation as to why Victoria's death rate has been and still is so much higher than NSW, yet with not even half their cases atm ?

rx

Good question rx.

Gosh our rates increasing.

Anyone yet had their booster in vic?

Yeah l'm amazed it hasn't been talked about on any of the reports l've seen.

Haven't had mine yet , it'd be due in a few mths.

Hsb & I had the booster before Christmas. Vic were still getting a lot of Delta which would had spread quickly with wased restictions. Delta has a much higher death rate. From reports it's only the last few days omicron has beecome more common in vic. Things will get worse as there is no attempt to contact trace or isolate except household contacts. NSW hospital rates have increased a lot with strain on hospitals Staff on leave or infected and increases demand. I imagine Vic will be in the same boat soon. So much for all the people with noncovid problems. They won't be getting the treatment they need. It is so hard knowing I can't rely on proper care for my hsb in ED if things go wrong.

Hi can I ask what is a rapid antigen test and where do u get the ?

Real shame t hear they leave so many ppl like urself ark unable to access testing.

It's bit hard to nook the booster, the pharmacist says when ppl hear the wait time is shortened they all book in floods, and they have cha fed the wait times twice now.

It almost seems like they are not sure what they're doing. They don't think how it affects ppl.

Ha , poor buggers probably aren't sure what they're doing sleep , don't think anyone is atm and these changes now along with it all , head spins . Thankfully, well sort of, on that front anyway, l'm going to Sydney now so l really don't have to bother with any of it. But l'm not going around the holiday crowds flooding the place up here atm either. By the time my boosters due they should've sorted things out a bit l suppose thkfully.

Thanks for explaining Elizabeth that makes sense , finally. Been seeing the numbers and wondering wth lately. Sorry to all those that can't see their specialists and all the confusion. The Gov was suppose to simplify all this stuff with their last effort but it's just muddled it all up even more.

An Rapid Antigen Test has been developed in an effort to get people tested for COVID-19 quicker, & they are also (maybe) available to individuals to purchase, & do the test themselves. Results can be read, sort of like a pregnancy test, in about 15 minutes.

The person doing the test on themselves, uses a stick )I'm sorry I can't see the pictures so can't give an accurate description) & has to reach the end into the back of their throat, way back, & I heard, not touching any other part of the imouth either. They then swirl it in a liquid, & I'm not sure, perhaps dipping a special paper into it? Please someone help me, here? & wait.

It is not nearly as accurate as the proper test done at testing centres & pathology clinics,.

I hear it is getting very difficult to get hold of these tests. & they do cost some to get, not sure how much.

Some places, like some work places are using them to flag anyone who might then be asked to get a proper test.

I can't be sure what rules apply in any particular state. As we know, the rules seem to change quickly these days. Do check on your own state's .gov website.

I am sure you'll find heaps of info, yes, to wade through, grrr. but it's there. One thing to note, the websites may not get updated as quickly as we'd like, so when you hear something has changed, wait another day before finding out details.

Hope this is at least somewhat useful.

mmMekitty

Not yet. My GP will ring me in a couple of days and make a time for me to go in. I'll feel even safer after I get the booster.

On another subject.....it's World Introvert Day today. Yay for introverts!

Hello meforcats, & Happy New Year!

I heard the suggestion that the gov may permit some people to have antigen tests free, but I'm not sure of that yet. I haven't been looking this weekend for the most up-to-date info.

If I can find out I'll get back to the forum later. Right now, I need a snooze. All I'm pretty sure is that I've heard they are very difficult to get hold of in some areas, like Vic & NSW in particular, & I'm guessing, SA too by now. .

mmMekitty

Thanks u so much for explaining.

It is really helpful of u xxx

I hate that it is currently quite challenging to get tested, and there is difficulty finding a booster shot.,scarcity and panic are becoming the norm.

Scuse an error btw . lt was meant to say thankfully l'm "not", going to Sydney for awhile now. Wish we could edit boo boos.

On the R tests , l distinctly heard them say last wk they would be free to everyone. But then a few days later saw a report of pharmacies saying that making them free would drain what stock they do have so they need to be charging for them.

rx

It's frustrating trying to find clear information about what the Australian Government plans for or not about free Rapid Antigen Tests. I am finding news articles from 2+ days ago. But the Government sources aren't saying more than what they say or don't say in news conferences anyway.

I checked Coles & Woolies online to see if they have Rapid Antigen Tests available & although Woolies had more listed, they were all out of stock & therefore didn't show prices.

Coles had one brand, a pack of 2 for $30 & a pack of 5 for $50. I don't have complete confidence that Coles would actually have them, because I've had it happen when ordering food, that one or two items I order, which are listed as available (not as 'Temporarily Unavailable') , I don't recieve. They say to me that they just might not be available at all stores.

I haven't tried to search for prices at Pharmacies.

Sorry, this is all I can manage right now.

mmMekitty

Hi everyone and Happy New Year :-)

Since there is no such thing as a stupid question on the forums....Can I ask why the urgency for a R.A.T test?

Fair enough if a person has cold or flu like symptoms of course...I just dont understand the urgency

I hope 2022 will be a good year for all of us :-)

my kindest always

Paul

This is all new to me, being in the west and having been (mostly) covid free all this time. But we recently had a covid positive visitor come through our town, and today my local shopping centre was listed as an exposure site. The sudden lack of feeling safe anymore drained all my energy almost instantly, and I’ve been in bed all arvo.

We’re really just at the beginning of where eastern staters have been for a long time. Crazy to think we’re going to open our borders soon and let it in when we’ve been free all this time. Maybe it’s already here more than we know, as testing rates are low. Scary time

Hi Paul,

I think it's because the testing centres are overwhelmed (partly due to the sheer numbers of people needing testing due to how infectious Omicron is, and partly because many of the centres have been closed over Christmas and New Year) and people have been waiting hours and then still have been turned away without being tested.

The trouble is the rapid antigen tests are pretty much sold out everywhere and they're also too expensive for poorer people to be able to purchase!

It's a bit of a mess at the moment to be honest!

Hi Hanna and all the best for 2022!

Thanks Hanna...I understand the woeful lack of availability yet I dont understand why so many people want to be tested..unless they have symptoms which is understandable

So.....are people trying to get the RAT test out of fear of Omicron (Covid) or because they have symptoms?

I dont get it

my kindest always :-)

Paul

Hi Katy

I can understand how unnerving this must be for you! It was very scary here when this all started two years ago but you'll be amazed at how fast it all becomes weirdly familiar to you and you'll get used to it in a way. It's just that you can't ever fully relax when you're in crowded places like shopping centres any more.

I'm double vaxxed with AZ but can't get a booster until February so I have to be careful. I avoid eating indoors and shop when it's quietest and don't browse if I can help it. I use hand sanitiser in the car after shopping and go to outdoor cafes. It's become normal now.

I felt more protected against Delta, but I know I'm likely to catch Omicron so I have extra meals cooked ahead and frozen and keep enough food and things like Panadolto to get me through a week at least without having to go out if I'm sick or isolating.

People who are younger and fitter can afford to be less concerned but I'm more vulnerable so I have to be careful. I still enjoy a coffee out and I'm completely used to wearing a mask and checking in and out, although it's inconvenient!

One useful tip - don't wear good earrings when you're wearing a mask, you can lose them when you're taking the mask off and on! I just wear studs now.

Your state can't keep Omicron out, it's too infectious and nobody has any immunity to it. Hopefully it will be less severe than Delta, but Delta is still circulating too.

All you can do is take sensible precautions and get vaccinated and a booster at the prescribed time. Wear a well fitting mask indoors.

You will be amazed how quickly you will adjust to it, but yes at first it's very scary and unpleasant. There's comfort in knowing that everyone else is feeling the same way!

Go easy on yourself, it is frightening but you will adjust in time. I've been impressed here at how well people have managed it all - I think people have been amazing actually at how cheerful and good humoured they've been through all this!

So go easy on yourself, it's normal to feel anxious and everyone else is too, so you're not alone! I think everyone goes around with slight underlying anxiety nowadays but we still enjoy ourselves and laugh and go out and about as best we can.

Do come by here with any questions or concerns as lots of people here are dealing with the same problems! You'll be back roller skating before you know it! 🙂

Hi Paul,

Probably a host of reasons I think - fear of Omicron for sure, also if they've been a close contact. People who have vulnerable relatives and friends they live with or visit and want to make sure they're not going to pass it on, and quite honestly I've lost track of the requirements for people travelling interstate or overseas or for their jobs et cetera! It all keeps changing so fast. I know people like mmMekitty going to hospital have to have a test before they are admitted.

They're asking people with no symptoms to avoid the testing centres as much as possible I think as the staff are overwhelmed. I think overseas the home tests are free..

With Omicron being so contagious I think there's just a bigger demand. More people are getting it. I'm sure plenty of people are panicky too & getting tested when they didn't need to.

With the testing centres overwhelmed more people are trying to get the test they can do themselves. My limited understanding is that the home testing with Rat is less accurate though.

I don't know if this is any help, there is a lot of confusion at the current time! Let us know if you find out more! Cheers!

Paul, I'm in NSW and it's quite a mess here, and I get hay fever and quite honestly every time I sneeze now I think, oh no, not Omicron! I think everyone is slightly on edge no matter how much they try not to be! So I can understand people trying to get the RAT they could do themselves at home.

I just plain couldn't afford it anyway!

Hello gt2004,

Welcome to the forum, & I'm glad you've found us here. Because you have posted in a thread about coping with the coronavirus, may I ask if these symptoms of depression, the sadness, the worthlessness & lack of energy are related to COVID-19, retrictions, vaccinations, or something else which had been going on? If you feel comfortable to do so, please tell us more.

warm regards,

mmMekitty

Hi gt

I feel exactly the same. Everyday for me becomes harder than day before. I now have panic attacks most days.
Everyday I hope someone will make a change to help us, but never seems to happen.

I don’t know how to get back to normal either. You are not alone , although I have to admit I feel alone

Hi Paul,

Around the forums, I'm seeing more people who are anxious, confused, & wanting to have some certainty. If one can get a Rapid Antigen Test, firstly, they wouldn't be waiting in a queue to get the PCR test, feeling as I did, that if I find myself waiting with people who had symptoms, which might be COVID-19, I would be putting myself at risk while meeting the hospital's requirements for me to have a PCR Test done within 3 days of admission to hospital. I am supposed to show them the results.

I had a feeling the results might not return as quickly, now more people need testing, &, guess what? I'm still waiting for the results. I had my test 9:15-45 last Friday morning. It's Monday morning, 10am as I write. 36hrs+ & counting.

This time from taking the test to getting results is an issue, especially for those who have symptoms. It's stressful waiting. If I needed to go to work today, I would have not been able to, if I didn't know what the cause of my symptoms are, would I?

I don't have symptoms. I only did the PCR test because the hospital has required it. How many people soon to be admitted to hospital for treatments or surgery are being asked to get PCR tests, alongside people with symptoms needing the test?

If I could I would be trying to get RATests, 2 or 3 or let the hospital do them when I arrive in the morning, + when I actually go to the ward as well. Just to be sure.

I'm in Qld, & hospitals are doing the PCR test only for people with symptoms. So I had to go to a Pathology clinic & have them do it. I didn't have to pay. I presented my Medicare card, & it was done efficiently.

I'm fortunate. I'm not in a place, such as Vic or NSW where I see testing centres are overwhelmed. I am nervous though, that Qld & other places could have the kinds of numbers as we're seeing in NSW & Vic & as they continue to climb, it's o wonder to me that many people are feeling unsafe & afraid.

Our governments, federal, State & Territory, have not been able to come together & present Australians with a coherent & unified response to current COVID-19 Omicron & Delta outbreaks. People lose confidence. People don't know what to do or not, & begin to feel abandoned & confused. The info out there is not easy to wade through & understand. Things which are recommended are so dependant on too many factors for most people to get their heads around.

I think people are looking to RATests to feel in some control again. DIY, you know. We're looking after ourselves out here.🙀

Sorry Paul - that was a long wordy one. 0 characters left!

I just got my test result! So, 36.5-37hrs. Not too bad, yet. Of-course it was negative, as I knew it would, me not going out & seeing so few people for so long now.

The Txt I recieved will have to date I recieved it, but I notice it does not say when the samples for testing were taken. How will the hospital know the results did't takevery much longer than they did to come back? What if I'd gone & got it done earlier & the results had taken more than 4 or 5 days to come back to me? I've heard a few news reports where such long times have been occuring for some test results to be returned.

mmMekitty