Where can I buy Covid test kits?
The UK is bracing itself for another Covid-19 wave as cases have begun to climb following the return to school and cooler temperatures.
The autumn Covid-19 booster jab is currently being rolled out in a drive to protect vulnerable groups before the onset of winter.
If you develop symptoms, the best way to confirm if you have the virus is by taking a lateral flow test.
But since the government scrapped free Covid-19 testing on April 1, many are left wondering where exactly they can get their hands on one.
Here is 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 you buy tests – you can find the full updated list on gov.uk.
However, you do not have to buy a test from one of these providers – you can also buy them from high street pharmacies, however you cannot report the result of a privately-bought LFT on the government website.
Boots is selling single Flowflex lateral flow testing kits for £2 – or you can save money by buying in bulk.
Flowflex lateral flow tests can also be bought from Superdrug for £1.95 a pop – or £5.79 for a pack of three.
You can buy single tests from Lloyds for £1.70 or a ten-pack for £17.
What are the main symptoms of Covid?
- Continuous cough
- High temperature, fever or chills
- Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
- Muscle aches or pains not due to exercise
- Not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
- Headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual
- Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- Diarrhoea, 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 tests.
They are as follows:
- NHS staff who care for patients
- Hospital patients who need PCRs before treatment
- Care home residents
- People working in high-risk settings, including care homes and prisons
- Hospital patients who are discharged to care homes or hospices
If you still qualify, you may be able to order LFTs online (if you have an NHS login), or by calling 119.
Additionally, people going to hospital can also get access to free testing.
Check the letter your hospital has sent you to find out if you need to take a test or not.
MORE : Who is eligible for the autumn Covid booster jab?
MORE : When is the best time to get a flu jab and can you mix it with the Covid vaccine?
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